What Is Peyronie Disease?

A slight natural curve to the erect penis is usually normal. But curvature that causes pain and difficulty with intercourse is a problem. The development of painful curvature is called Peyronie disease. Peyronie disease is due to scar tissue (plaque) that forms inside the penis.

Your penile anatomy

The shaft (body) of the penis consists of the corpora cavernosa, 2 columns of spongy tissue. During an erection, this tissue fills with blood, swells, and becomes rigid, creating an erection. A dense sheath of elastic tissue called the tunica surrounds the corpora. This tissue stretches as the penis becomes erect.

Painful curvature

Peyronie disease occurs when a plaque (scar) develops on the fibrous sheath of tissue surrounding the corpora. The scar can form on any part of the penis, but often is found on the top or bottom. The scarred area of the tunica loses its elasticity, so it doesn’t stretch when the corpora swells. Because the tunica doesn’t stretch in that area, the erect penis curves in the direction of the scar.

Symptoms of peyronie disease

• Curvature of the penis during erection (which may interfere with intercourse)

• Pain during erection

• Soft erections

• Shortening or narrowing of the penis

A hard area usually felt below the skin of the penis in the area of the plaque.