Quick answer. Peyronie’s disease is a recognised medical condition in which scar tissue forms inside the penis, causing a curve and sometimes pain during erections. It can affect sexual function, but a range of treatments – from medication and injections to surgery – is available, and a urologist can advise on the best option.
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Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which firm scar tissue, called plaque, develops inside the penis and causes it to curve, often with pain during erections. It is a genuine, recognised medical condition – not something to feel embarrassed about – and it is more common than many men realise, particularly in middle-aged and older men.
Because Peyronie’s disease can affect the appearance of the penis, cause discomfort, and sometimes make sex difficult, it can be distressing. The good news is that it is treatable, and a urologist in Singapore can offer options ranging from medication and injections to surgery. This guide explains, in clear and respectful terms, what Peyronie’s disease is, why it happens, how it is diagnosed and how it is managed.
At a glance
| Phase / feature | What happens | Typical approach |
|---|---|---|
| Acute (inflammatory) phase | Pain and a developing curve over weeks to months | Monitor, medication, pain relief |
| Chronic (stable) phase | Curve settles, pain often eases | Assess for definitive treatment |
| Mild curve, no pain | Little effect on function | Reassurance, watchful waiting |
| Significant curve or pain | Difficulty with intercourse | Injections or surgery considered |
| Associated concerns | Distress, anxiety, relationship impact | Support and open discussion with a urologist |
What is Peyronie's disease?
Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which areas of fibrous scar tissue, known as plaques, form within the tissue of the penis. Because this scar tissue does not stretch in the same way as normal tissue, it can pull the penis into a curve during an erection, and may cause pain, narrowing or shortening.
It most commonly affects men in middle age and older, although it can occur at any adult age. It is a recognised, well-described medical condition, and men should not feel embarrassed about seeking help for it. The condition often has two phases: an active phase, when pain and the curve develop and may change over several months, followed by a stable phase, when the curve usually settles. Many men find their symptoms become manageable, and effective treatments are available when needed.
Symptoms & signs
Symptoms can develop gradually or appear more suddenly, and they vary in severity. They may include:
- A noticeable bend or curve in the penis during an erection
- A firm lump or area of hardness that can be felt under the skin (the plaque)
- Pain, which is more common during erections and often eases over time
- Shortening or narrowing of the penis
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Difficulty or discomfort with sexual intercourse
For some men the changes are mild and do not interfere with daily life, while for others they cause distress or affect their relationships – both are valid reasons to seek advice.
Causes & risk factors
The exact cause is not fully understood, but Peyronie’s disease is thought to be related to how the penis heals after minor injury. Contributing factors and associations include:
- Repeated minor injury or bending of the penis, including during sex, which may not be noticed at the time
- An abnormal healing response that lays down scar tissue rather than healing smoothly
- Increasing age
- A family history of the condition
- Connective tissue disorders, such as Dupuytren’s contracture of the hand
- Certain health conditions, including diabetes
It is important to know that Peyronie’s disease is not a sexually transmitted infection and is not caused by anything a man has done wrong.
How it's diagnosed
A urologist can usually diagnose Peyronie’s disease from your history and a physical examination. The doctor will ask about the curve, any pain, when symptoms started and how they affect you, and will gently examine the penis to feel for the plaque. The consultation is conducted professionally and confidentially.
To assess the condition more fully, the doctor may:
- Ask about or arrange a way to assess the penis during an erection, sometimes using a photograph you provide or a clinic-induced erection, to measure the curve accurately
- Use an ultrasound scan to locate the plaque and check blood flow
- Discuss how the condition is affecting your erections and quality of life
This helps the urologist judge whether you are in the active or stable phase, which guides the timing of treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on how much the condition is bothering you, whether there is pain, the size of the curve, and which phase you are in. Options include:
- Watchful waiting: for mild curves that do not interfere with sex, monitoring may be all that is needed, as symptoms can stabilise.
- Medication: oral medicines or treatments aimed at pain and, in some cases, slowing progression during the active phase.
- Injections: medicines injected directly into the plaque to soften it and reduce the curve, given as a course under specialist care.
- Traction or device therapy: using a device to gently stretch the penis, sometimes recommended alongside other treatments.
- Surgery: for stable, significant curves that prevent intercourse, surgical options can straighten the penis or address erectile difficulty.
Because each man’s situation differs, treatment should be guided by a urologist who can explain the benefits and limitations of each option. Support for the emotional impact is also an important part of care.
When to see a doctor & which specialist
It is worth seeing a doctor if you notice a curve in the penis, a lump under the skin, pain during erections, or any change that affects sex or causes you distress. There is no need to wait until the problem is severe, and early assessment lets a urologist advise on timing and options. Peyronie’s disease is a common, recognised condition, and seeking help is sensible rather than something to feel awkward about.
Peyronie’s disease is not usually an emergency. However, you should seek prompt medical care for any sudden severe penile pain or injury, or a painful erection lasting more than a few hours (priapism), which needs urgent attention at A&E.
For diagnosis and treatment of Peyronie’s disease, a urologist is the right specialist. You can find one through our directory of the best urologists in Singapore.
Related guides
- Best Urology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- urology clinics directory
- Blepharitis
- Pericarditis
- Interstitial cystitis
- Phimosis
- OCD
Sources
- NHS – Peyronie's disease
- Mayo Clinic – Peyronie's disease
- SingHealth – Conditions and Treatments
- HealthHub Singapore – Men's Health
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