Peyronie’s disease causes a bend, lump or change in shape of the penis. It can affect your sex life and your confidence, but effective treatments are available. Our London clinic is consultant-led and offers the full range of options, from monitoring and traction to injection therapy and surgery.
Medically reviewed by our medical team, who are GMC registered · Last reviewed: 2 November 2026 · Next review: November 2027
What is Peyronie’s disease?
Peyronie’s disease is caused by scar tissue (a plaque) that forms in the tough lining around the erection chambers of the penis. Because the scar tissue does not stretch, the penis can bend, narrow, develop an indentation or become shorter when erect.[1][2]
It is more common than many men realise. Estimates vary between studies, and it is more common in men with diabetes or erectile dysfunction.[1] It is different from congenital curvature, which is present from puberty and is not caused by scar tissue. Not sure which you have?
Symptoms
- A new bend or curve when erect
- A lump or hard area you can feel in the shaft
- Pain during erections, especially early on
- An hourglass shape, indentation or loss of length
- Difficulty with penetration, or erectile dysfunction
The two phases of Peyronie’s disease
Active (acute) phase: the curve may be changing and erections may be painful. This phase usually lasts several months and can be up to around 12 to 18 months.
Stable (chronic) phase: the pain has settled and the curve has stopped changing for at least 3 months.[1]
The phase matters, because some treatments suit the active phase and others, including surgery, are only offered once the condition is stable.
How we assess you
- Consultation: your symptoms, how long you have had them, how they affect sex, and your general and erectile health.
- Examination: we examine the penis to feel the plaque and measure length.
- Measuring the curve: we may ask for photographs of your erection at home, or measure the curve in clinic with an induced erection and a penile Doppler ultrasound. The ultrasound also checks blood flow.
- Your plan: we explain which phase you are in and the options that suit you, with realistic outcomes, risks and costs.
Treatment options
Monitoring
If symptoms are mild and not affecting sex, monitoring may be all you need. In some men, pain settles and the curve does not worsen.
Oral treatments
Many vitamins and supplements are marketed for Peyronie’s disease, but most have not been shown to straighten the penis.[1] We will advise on what is and is not worthwhile.
Penile traction therapy
A traction device worn for a set time each day applies gentle, steady stretching. In committed users it can modestly reduce curvature and help preserve length, and it is also used before and after other treatments.[1]
Shockwave therapy
Low-intensity shockwave therapy may help reduce pain during the active phase. It has not been shown to improve the curve itself, so we offer it for pain rather than straightening.[1]
Injection therapy
Medicines injected directly into the plaque can soften scar tissue and reduce curvature in suitable men with stable disease. Treatment is given as a short course of injections in clinic, usually combined with traction or gentle stretching at home.
- Collagenase injection is an enzyme treatment that breaks down the collagen in the plaque. A licensed collagenase product is not currently available in the UK. Where your consultant feels it is appropriate, it can be prescribed as an unlicensed medicine. We will explain what this means, including the evidence, risks and alternatives, before you decide.
- Hyaluronic acid injection is another option we offer. The evidence for its use in Peyronie’s disease is still developing, and we will discuss it with you openly.
Possible side effects of injections include bruising, swelling and pain. Rarely, a more serious injury to the penis can occur, so you will be given clear advice on what to avoid during treatment.
Surgery
Surgery is offered once the disease is stable and the curve makes sex difficult or impossible.[1][2]
- Plication: straightens the penis by tightening the longer side. It is the simplest operation, but it can cause some loss of length.
- Plaque incision and grafting: used for more severe or complex curves. It better preserves length but carries a higher risk of reduced erection quality afterwards.
- Penile implant with straightening: for men who have both Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction that does not respond to other treatment. Read about penile implants.
Costs
- Collagenase injection: from £1,900 per injection
- Surgery (plication): from £9,000
- Surgery (grafting): from £13,000
Start with a free phone call with our team. A specialist consultation costs £100 in person or £50 online. Your full treatment quote is confirmed after your consultation, before you commit to treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Will Peyronie’s disease go away on its own?
In a small number of men it improves without treatment, but in most it stays the same or gets worse. Pain usually settles with time, even when the curve stays.
Is Peyronie’s disease cancer?
No. The lump is scar tissue and is not cancerous.
Can I still have sex?
Many men can, depending on the curve. If sex is painful or difficult, or causes discomfort for your partner, treatment can help.
When should I be seen?
As early as possible. An early assessment means we can record the curve and plan treatment for the right phase.
Will treatment restore all lost length?
Not usually. Treatments aim to straighten the penis and preserve length. We will give you realistic expectations at your consultation.
Book a free phone call
Talk to our team about your symptoms in a free, confidential phone call.
Book a free phone call · Message us on WhatsApp (+44 7457 404374) · Call 020 3051 3060
References
- European Association of Urology. EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health: Penile curvature. Latest edition. uroweb.org.
- Nehra A, Alterowitz R, Culkin DJ, et al. Peyronie’s disease: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2015;194(3):745-753.
- NHS. Peyronie’s disease. nhs.uk.
