Is Your Penis Bending? Understanding and Treating Peyronie’s Disease
Not too long ago, a very young patient, with his mum, visited me in my clinic. Let’s call him Prince—a 19-year-old man whose penis bends when erect. For Prince, the bend was unusual. So, he asked his mum about it, and together they came to my clinic. It turned out Prince had Peyronie’s disease, a condition where scar tissue formation within the soft tissue of the penis causes it to bend or curve during an erection. This condition can also lead to pain and difficulty with sexual intercourse.
To listen to Prince’s full story, check out The Penis Project podcast episode:
“Prince” Twisted P: A Story of Peyronie’s Disease in a Young Man
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What is Peyronie’s Disease? - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Peyronie’s disease is a connective tissue disorder that affects the tunica albuginea of the penis, leading to penile curvature and sometimes erectile dysfunction. The condition is characterised by the formation of fibrous scar tissue (plaque) that can cause significant pain, curvature, and reduced sexual function.
Causes of Peyronie’s Disease
The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be associated with several factors, including:
Trauma or Injury to the Penis: This can cause scar tissue formation, leading to plaque development.
Genetics: Some research suggests that Peyronie’s disease may be inherited.
Medical Conditions: Dupuytren's contracture (a hand condition affecting connective tissue) and Ledderhose disease (a connective tissue disorder in the foot) are linked to Peyronie’s disease. Patients with a history of Dupuytren’s contracture are more likely to develop Peyronie’s disease.
Inflammation: Research indicates that inflammation may contribute to the development of the disease.
Surgery: Prostate cancer surgery (radical prostatectomy) is associated with an increased risk of developing Peyronie’s disease, likely due to trauma during surgery and lack of nocturnal erections post-treatment.
Other Factors: Ageing and smoking have been correlated with the development of the disease.
Treatment Options for Peyronie’s Disease
At Restorative Health Clinic, we prefer to start with conservative methods to treat Peyronie’s disease and have achieved good results. If conservative treatments such as traction, VEDs, and oral and topical medications do not provide the desired outcome, you will be referred to a urologist for surgical treatment.
At Restorative Health Clinic, we provide various effective treatment options for Peyronie’s disease, depending on the severity of the condition. These include:
1. Penile Traction Therapy (PTT)
Penile traction therapy involves using devices like the Restorex or Andropenis. Studies show significant improvement in penile curvature and stretched penile length with consistent use of traction devices for hours daily over several months.
2. Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs)
VEDs, such as Therapump, have shown promise in improving penile curvature, particularly when used consistently over 10–15 minutes daily for weeks.
3. Medications and Supplements
Vitamin E, Potaba, Colchicine: Limited evidence supports their effectiveness.
PDE-5 Inhibitors, Acetyl L-Carnitine, L-Arginine: Studies suggest they may help reduce inflammation and soften plaque.
4. Shockwave Therapy
Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) is a non-invasive treatment aimed at reducing curvature and pain by enhancing blood flow and breaking down plaques.
5. Injections
Verapamil and Xiaflex: Injections directly into the plaque have shown promising results in softening and breaking down scar tissue.
6. Surgery
Recommended for severe curvature causing pain or difficulty with sexual intercourse. Options include removal of scar tissue or penile implant insertion.
7. Topical Treatments
Research suggests using Diclofenac 1% Gel/Emugel massaged into the affected area may help reduce pain and plaque.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The number one thing you should do when you notice a bend in your penis is to have it checked as soon as possible. Early intervention provides the best chance of reversing or halting the condition before it progresses. Leaving Peyronie’s disease untreated for too long can make intervention difficult and less effective.
What to Do If You Notice a Bend in Your Penis - Book Your Consultation Today
If you are experiencing a bend in your penis during erection, consult your doctor or a urologist as soon as possible. Don’t delay treatment—it could make all the difference in your recovery.
For the best chance of recovery, Book a consultation at Restorative Health Clinic to discuss your symptoms, explore our effective conservative treatments, and find the most suitable treatment plan tailored for you.
References
Avant, R. A., Ziegelmann, M., Nehra, A., Alom, M., Kohler, T., & Trost, L. (2019). Penile Traction Therapy and Vacuum Erection Devices in Peyronie’s Disease. Sex Med Rev, 7(2), 338-348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.02.005
Krishnappa, P., Manfredi, C., Sinha, M., Arcaniolo, D., Matippa, P., & Moncada, I. (2022). Penile Modeling in Peyronie’s Disease: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Sex Med Rev, 10(3), 434–450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2022.01.001
