Reproductive health
Medicines for Peyronie's disease
A condition where scar tissue forms in the penis, causing a curve and sometimes pain during erections — which may stabilise or be treated if it affects function.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Peyronie's disease?
Peyronie's disease is a condition in which areas of scar tissue (plaques) develop within the penis, causing it to curve or bend, usually noticeable during an erection. It can also cause pain (particularly early on), narrowing or shortening, and, if the curve is significant, difficulty with or discomfort during sex.
- How it is treated: Management depends on the stage and how much the condition affects function and comfort.
- Self-care: There are no proven lifestyle measures to prevent it, but managing general health and any erectile difficulties, and seeking assessment and support when the curve affects function or wellbeing, all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP about a new curve, bend, lump or pain in the penis, especially if it affects sex or causes distress, for assessment and referral to a urologist if needed.
What it is
Peyronie's disease is a condition in which areas of scar tissue (plaques) develop within the penis, causing it to curve or bend, usually noticeable during an erection. It can also cause pain (particularly early on), narrowing or shortening, and, if the curve is significant, difficulty with or discomfort during sex. It is thought to result from injury or repeated minor trauma that heals abnormally, though often no specific cause is identified, and it is more common in middle-aged and older men. It typically goes through an active phase (when the curve and any pain may change) followed by a stable phase. It can cause worry and affect confidence and relationships, but it is a recognised condition and help is available.
How it is treated
Management depends on the stage and how much the condition affects function and comfort. In the early, active phase, the situation is often monitored, as pain frequently settles and the curve may stabilise; treatment decisions are usually made once it has stabilised. For men whose curve or symptoms significantly affect sex, options include certain medicines or injections into the plaque, and, for a stable, significant curve, surgery to straighten the penis. Managing any erectile difficulties, which can coexist, is part of care. Because it can affect emotional wellbeing and relationships, support and open discussion are important. Care is guided by a urologist, with the approach individualised to the man's symptoms and wishes.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Peyronie's disease
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
There are no proven lifestyle measures to prevent it, but managing general health and any erectile difficulties, and seeking assessment and support when the curve affects function or wellbeing, all help.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about a new curve, bend, lump or pain in the penis, especially if it affects sex or causes distress, for assessment and referral to a urologist if needed.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Peyronie's disease: frequently asked questions
What causes Peyronie's disease?
It is thought to result from injury or repeated minor trauma to the penis that heals with scar tissue, causing a curve. Often no specific cause is found, and it is more common in middle-aged and older men.
Does Peyronie's disease need treatment?
Not always — pain often settles and the curve may stabilise, so mild cases may just be monitored. Treatment (medicines, injections or surgery) is considered when the curve or symptoms significantly affect sex, once stable.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Peyronie's disease
- British Association of Urological Surgeons guidance
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