Peyronie’s Disease (PD)

When penile curvature becomes clinically significant

Peyronie’s disease is a benign, progressive disorder of the penis that causes abnormal curvature during erection. It was first described in 1743 by French physician François Gigot de la Peyronie 9.

The condition and its symptoms

What is Peyronie's Disease?

Peyronie’s disease is characterized by abnormal connective tissue deposits within the tunica albuginea, the membrane surrounding the corpora cavernosa of the penis1.

Over time, these deposits form fibrous plaques that reduce tissue flexibility and limit the penis’s ability to expand, particularly during erection2-5.

Pathological curvature of the penis4

Difficulty achieving erection5

Pain, especially during erection5

Difficulty with penetration4

Stages of Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease presents differently
depending on its stage of progression.

Early stage2

Acute inflammatory phase

This stage typically lasts between 12 and 18 months and is characterized by the progressive formation of fibrotic plaques, penile pain, and increasing curvature.

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Late stage2

Chronic phase

This stage typically lasts around 6–18 months. It is characterized by active inflammation, evolving fibrotic plaque formation, penile pain particularly with erections and a potential increase in penile curvature.

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Who is affected by Peyronie’s Disease

It is estimated that between 0.3 and 13% of the world’s population is affected by Peyronie’s disease6.

 

Risk is higher in men over 404,6 and in those with certain health conditions, including diabetes2 and a history of radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer4.

Other risk factors include:

High blood pressure (hypertension)2

High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)2

Dupuytren's contracture3

Smoking2

Heavy alcohol use2

The causes of Peyronie's disease

Scientists have proposed several hypotheses,
including two commonly described mechanisms7.

Hypothesis

Trauma

The triggering factor is one or more traumas to the erect penis². This may result in prolonged inflammation and abnormal connective tissue formation in susceptible individuals2,8.

Hypothesis

Cavernosal hypoxia

Reduced oxygenation (hypoxia) in the corpora cavernosa may promote abnormal collagen deposition, contributing to fibrotic plaque formation2.

Key facts

Peyronie's Disease in numbers.

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8-10%

Approximately 8–10% of diagnosed cases occur in men under 40 years of age2

up to 50%

Up to 50% of patients experience significant progression in deformity or functional impact during the disease course5

45-60 years

Average age of patients with Peyronie’s disease2

Diagnosing the disease

Professional medical evaluation is essential for diagnosing Peyronie's disease.

To establish a diagnosis, the specialist may perform a physical examination to assess:

  • Presence and characteristics of fibrotic plaques
  • Degree and direction of penile curvature
  • Erectile function and penile rigidity

 

Additional tests may be ordered to evaluate plaque characteristics. Then the specialist will recommend the most appropriate treatment.

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References

  • 1 / PEROVIAL®. Instructions for Use.
  • 2 / Hussein AA, et al. Asian J Urol. 2015;2(2):70-8.
  • 3 / Ostrowski KA, et al. Res Rep Urol. 2016;8:61-70.
  • 4 / Mesquita FC, et al. Int Braz J Urol. 2024;50(6):703-13.6.
  • 5 / Cai T, et al. World J Mens Health. 2021;39(3):526-32.
  • 6 / Al-Thakafi S, Al-Hathal N. Transl Androl Urol. 2016;5(3):280-9.
  • 7 / Wijaya M, et al. Devotion Journal of Community Service. 2024;5(11):1424-31.
  • 8 / Zucchi A, et al. Andrology. 2022;10(1):42-50.

Glossary