Peyronie's disease
Peyronie's disease causes scar tissue inside the penis that can lead to a bent, shortened or painful erection. It is a common, treatable condition. Here is how it develops, how it is assessed and which treatments may suit you.
What it is
The erection chambers of the penis are wrapped in a tough, elastic sheath called the tunica albuginea. In Peyronie's disease, an area of this sheath heals abnormally after minor, often unnoticed, strain or injury and forms a firm patch of fibrous scar tissue, known as a plaque.
The plaque does not stretch like healthy tissue. During an erection the rest of the penis expands normally while the plaque holds one side back, so the penis bends towards it. Depending on where the plaque sits and how extensive it is, the result may be an upward, downward or sideways curve, a loss of length, or a narrowing.
Many men feel embarrassed or anxious about these changes, and it is common for the condition to affect confidence and relationships. You are not alone, and there are well-established ways to help.
The plaque forms in the sheath around the erection chambers of the penis.
Two phases
Peyronie's disease usually passes through two phases. Knowing which one you are in is the most important factor in choosing treatment.
The plaque is still forming. Erections may be painful and the curve can change from month to month. This phase often lasts somewhere between 6 and 18 months.
The curve and plaque have stopped changing, usually for at least three months, and pain has often eased. The deformity is now unlikely to correct itself.
Symptoms
Symptoms can appear gradually or over a few weeks. Not every man has all of them.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually straightforward and is based on your history and an examination. For international patients the first step can happen remotely before you travel.
When the curve started, whether it is still changing, pain, and erection quality. Photographs of the erect penis taken at home, from the side and from above, help show the direction and angle of the curve.
The plaque is felt and the stretched length of the penis is measured.
Where surgery is being planned, an erection may be produced in clinic with an injection so the curve can be measured accurately. Doppler ultrasound shows the plaque and blood flow.
Treatment options
There is no single operation that suits everyone. The right option depends on the phase of the disease, the size and type of the deformity, your penile length and the quality of your erections.
Traction devices, vacuum devices, injections into the plaque and shockwave for pain. Mainly for the acute phase or milder curves.
Read more Option 2Stitches on the longer side of the penis straighten it. Suits simpler curves in men with good erections; some length is lost.
Read more Option 3The plaque is cut or partly removed and the gap covered with a graft. For larger curves or hourglass deformity.
Read more Option 4For men who have both Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction. One operation treats both.
Read more| Option | Usually considered for | Effect on length |
|---|---|---|
| Non-surgical treatment | Acute phase, pain, mild curves, or men who want to avoid surgery | May help limit shortening; does not reliably straighten |
| Plication (Nesbit, TAP) | Stable curve, usually under about 60°, good erections, no hourglass | Some shortening is expected |
| Incision or excision & grafting | Stable, more complex curves, often over about 60°, or hourglass/hinge deformity, with good erections | Aims to limit further loss of length |
| Implant with modelling or grafting | Peyronie's disease with erectile dysfunction not helped by tablets | Depends on the deformity and the device |
Surgery in Istanbul
Your own plan is confirmed after your assessment. This is the usual sequence for international patients.
Send your history and photographs by WhatsApp or book a video call. The surgeon advises whether surgery is appropriate.
Examination, measurement of the curve and length, blood tests and a final decision on the technique.
Under general or spinal anaesthesia, followed by a short hospital stay.
Dressing check and a follow-up before you fly home. Online follow-up continues afterwards.
Risks you should know about. Every treatment for Peyronie's disease has limits and risks. Surgery can cause bleeding, bruising, infection, changes in sensation, a curve that is not fully corrected or comes back, loss of length, and, particularly after grafting, new or worse erectile dysfunction. Non-surgical treatments are less invasive but often give only partial improvement. Results vary from man to man, and your surgeon will explain your individual risks before you decide.
Packages
Surgery, hospital stay, hotel and transfers in one package. You receive a personalised quote after your free consultation.
Personalised quote after your free consultation
Personalised quote after your free consultation
Questions
Short answers to the questions we hear most. For anything else, contact our team.
Pain in the early phase often settles with time. The curve itself improves on its own in only a minority of men; in many it stays the same, and in some it gets worse before it stabilises. That is why it is worth being assessed early.
Surgery is usually considered once the disease is stable, typically after the curve has not changed for about three months, and when the deformity makes intercourse difficult or impossible. If you also have erectile dysfunction, a penile implant may be recommended.
Plication techniques such as the Nesbit procedure straighten the penis by shortening the longer side, so some length is lost. Grafting aims to limit further loss of length but carries a higher risk of erectile problems. Your surgeon will explain what to expect in your case.
Yes. When both are present, a penile implant can be placed and the penis straightened during the same operation, either by careful modelling or, for stubborn curves, with an additional incision and graft.
Yes. Your history and photographs of the erect penis allow an initial assessment by WhatsApp or video call. The final decision is made after examination in Istanbul.
Keep reading
From The Man Cave
Editorial articles from our men's health magazine. For diagnosis and treatment, this page is the clinical guide.
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Send us your question or medical reports. A member of our English-speaking team will reply, and where appropriate your case is reviewed by the surgeon before we suggest a plan.
