Peyronie's (pay-roe-NEEZ) disease is the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis that causes curved, painful erections. Penises vary in shape and size, and having a curved erection isn't necessarily a cause for concern. But Peyronie's disease causes a significant bend or pain in some men.



Peyronie's disease care at Mayo Clinic






When to see a doctor






Each side of the penis contains a sponge-like tube (corpus cavernosum) that contains many tiny blood vessels. Each of the corpora cavernosa is encased in a sheath of elastic tissue called the tunica albuginea (TOO-nih-kuh al-BYOO-JIN-e-uh), which stretches during an erection.




Risk factors


  • Connective tissue disorders. Men who have a connective tissue disorder appear to have an increased risk of developing Peyronie's disease. For example, a number of men who have Peyronie's disease also have a cord-like thickening across the palm that causes the fingers to pull inward (Dupuytren's contracture).
  • Age. The prevalence of Peyronie's disease increases with age, especially in men over 55.



Complications of Peyronie's disease might include:

  • Inability to have sexual intercourse
  • Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
  • Stress on your relationship with your sexual partner
  • Difficulty fathering a child, because intercourse is difficult or impossible

Peyronie's disease care at Mayo Clinic

Aug. 07, 2017
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  3. Peyronie's disease: AUA guideline. American Urological Association. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/peyronies-disease-(2015). Accessed May 15, 2017.
  4. Wein AJ, et al., eds. Diagnosis and management of Peyronie disease. In: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 15, 2017.
  5. Brandt WO, et al. Surgical management of Peyronie's disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 15, 2017.