What is Peyronie's disease?

Peyronie's (say "pay-ruh-NEEZ") disease is a curve in the penis. It is caused by scar tissue. The scar tissue is in the tissue that expands to form an erection. The scar tissue makes the penis less flexible, forcing it to bend during an erection. The scar tissue may be caused by minor injuries to the penis during sexual intercourse.

Most people who have this disease are able to stay sexually active.

What can you expect?

At first, the most common symptoms are painful erections and a curve in your penis. Later on, the pain may get better or go away completely. But the curve in the penis may remain.

The curve is most easily seen during an erection. It may be so severe that intercourse is not possible. Some people may not be able to keep an erection.

The disease usually doesn't get better on its own. But you usually don't need treatment unless you have painful erections or the disease gets in the way of your sex life.

If pain is a problem or the curve is getting worse, see your doctor. Early treatment may help.

How is it treated?

• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can help treat pain.
• Surgery helps some people. But it is usually only used if you can't have intercourse. Experts usually suggest that before trying surgery, you wait at least a year after diagnosis.
• Counselling or sexual therapy may be useful for problems with sexual intimacy caused by the disease.