Abnormal curvature of the penis caused by scar tissue, with several treatment options. Peyronie's disease can make erections bent, painful or difficult, and it can be distressing — but it is a recognised medical condition that Dr. Anish Gupta assesses and treats discreetly across Delhi NCR.
What is Peyronie's disease?
Peyronie's disease occurs when firm scar tissue, called a plaque, forms within the wall of the penis. Because scar tissue does not stretch as normal tissue does, it pulls the penis to one side during an erection, producing a bend or curve. The plaque can also cause narrowing, an hourglass or indented shape, or shortening.
The condition usually develops in two phases. In the early, "active" phase there may be pain and a changing curve as the plaque forms. This is followed by a "stable" phase, where pain settles and the curve stops changing. Many men are reassured to learn that a slight natural curve is normal — treatment is considered only when the bend interferes with comfort or intercourse.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from mild to more troublesome and may include:
- A noticeable bend or curve in the penis, usually most obvious during an erection
- A firm lump or area of hardness that can be felt under the skin
- Pain in the penis, particularly with erections in the early phase
- Shortening, narrowing or an hourglass or dented appearance
- Difficulty with, or discomfort during, intercourse
- Softer erections or erectile dysfunction
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is not fully understood, but Peyronie's is thought to follow minor injury or repeated small trauma to the penis that heals with excess scar tissue. Factors that may raise the risk include:
- Minor injury or bending of the erect penis, sometimes during intercourse
- A family history of the condition
- Connective-tissue disorders such as Dupuytren's contracture of the hand
- Increasing age, diabetes and certain vascular conditions
- Previous pelvic or prostate surgery
When to see a urologist
See a urologist if you notice a new curve, lump or pain in the penis, or if erections become difficult or intercourse uncomfortable. It is best to seek advice early, during the active phase, as some treatments work better before the scar tissue fully matures. There is no need to feel embarrassed — this is a routine condition in urology practice.
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is usually clear from a discussion of your symptoms and an examination. Dr. Anish Gupta may:
- Examine the penis to feel the plaque and assess its position and size
- Ask about the degree of curvature, sometimes using photographs you take at home of an erection
- Arrange an ultrasound scan, occasionally with an injection to produce an erection, to measure the curve, locate the plaque and check blood flow
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the phase of the disease, the degree of curvature and whether it interferes with intercourse. Mild cases that do not affect function may simply be monitored.
Watchful waiting
Where the curve is mild and intercourse is still possible, no active treatment may be needed, as the condition sometimes stabilises on its own. Regular review ensures anything progressive is picked up.
Medication and non-surgical treatments
In the early phase, oral medicines, pain relief and other measures may help with discomfort. Injections of medication directly into the plaque can, in selected men, soften the scar tissue and reduce curvature. Traction or vacuum devices are sometimes used to help maintain length and reduce bend.
Surgery
Surgery is considered for men with a stable curve that prevents satisfactory intercourse. Techniques either straighten the penis by adjusting the tissue on the opposite side, or remove the plaque and place a graft. Where Peyronie's occurs together with significant erectile dysfunction, a penile implant can correct the curve and restore erections at the same time.
Why choose Dr. Anish Gupta
Dr. Anish Gupta is a Consultant Urologist & Andrologist with more than 20 years of experience and a special interest in andrology and reconstructive men's health. He offers a sensitive, private assessment, explains which treatments genuinely suit your situation, and provides advanced surgical options where they are needed. Care is available across three locations in Delhi NCR.
Frequently asked questions
Will Peyronie's disease go away on its own?
In some men the pain settles and the curve stabilises without treatment, though the plaque itself rarely disappears completely. Because outcomes vary, it is worth being assessed so that the curve can be monitored and treated if it interferes with intercourse.
Is Peyronie's disease a form of cancer?
No. Peyronie's is caused by benign scar tissue, not cancer, and it does not turn into cancer. It is a mechanical problem of the tissue that affects the shape of the penis, and it is assessed and treated as a distinct condition.
Can Peyronie's disease affect my ability to have sex?
It can, if the curve is pronounced or erections are affected. Many men continue to have intercourse with a mild curve, while more significant bends can be corrected with medication or surgery so that satisfying intercourse is possible again.
Is surgery the only treatment?
No. Surgery is reserved for stable, more severe curvature that prevents intercourse. Milder cases are often managed with monitoring, medication, injections or devices, and treatment is always matched to the phase and severity of your condition.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs — and if the honest answer is that you don't need a procedure, you'll hear that too.