Peyronie’s Disease

zu-peyronies-stats-2What is Peyronie’s Disease? Peyronie’s disease is the development of fibrous scar tissue in the erectile tissue that causes an abnormal curvature of the penis, most apparent during an erection. This can prevent a man from having sex or may make it difficult to get or maintain an erection.


While the cause of Peyronie’s disease is unknown, many researches believe that the plaque of Peyronie’s disease can develop after trauma (such as hitting or bending), which causes localized bleeding inside the penis. Cases that develop over time may be genetically linked or inherited.


Symptoms may develop slowly or appear overnight. They commonly include:

  • A lump or band of hard tissue along the shaft of the penis most noticeable when the penis is flaccid
  • A bent or curved (upward or downward) appearance of the penis noticeable when the penis is erect
  • A painful erection
  • Inability to maintain an erection
  • Inability to achieve penetration during intercourse
  • Shortening of the penis


Tests to diagnose Peyronie’s disease may include:

  • A physical exam. Doctors can typically diagnose Peyronie’s disease with a physical examination as the plaque can be felt when the penis is limp.
  • Other tests. Ultrasound, X-rays or other tests may be used to examine your erect penis. Ultrasound tests, which can pinpoint the location and calcification of the plaque as well as evaluate the blood flow, are most commonly used test for penis abnormalities.


  • Tissue Grafts. Removing or cutting the plaque and attaching a patch of skin, vein or material made from animal organs to straighten the penis and restore some lost length.
  • Nesbit Plication. A piece of the tunica albuginea from the side of the penis opposite the plaque is removed or pinched, canceling out the bending effect.
  • Bent Penile Implant Surgery. A device to increase the rigidity of the penis is implanted. This can be combined with the other surgical procedures to straighten the penis.
