Is That Curve Normal? Signs of Peyronie’s Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you’re noticing a curve in your erection that wasn’t always there, it could be more than just natural variation. You might be dealing with Peyronie’s Disease! This is a condition that causes your penis to bend or curve due to internal scar tissue. It’s not uncommon, and it affects both sexual function and confidence.

At He Medical Clinic, our Men’s Wellness Centre regularly treats men dealing with Peyronie’s Disease and its effects, whether it’s newly developed or something that’s been silently affecting confidence for years. The key is getting the right diagnosis early, because effective non-surgical Peyronie’s disease treatments do exist.

Curved erections can affect more than just physical intimacy, it can cause stress, frustration, and impact your self-esteem. This article will walk you through what Peyronie’s disease is, how to spot it, and most importantly, how to treat it.

What Is Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease is a medical condition where scar tissue (known as plaques) forms inside the penis. This tissue builds up under the skin, typically along the tunica albuginea. It is a thick sheath that surrounds the erectile chambers. As a result, the penis may bend, curve, or even shorten during an erection.

This isn’t the kind of curve that’s naturally occurring in some men. With Peyronie’s, the angle can be sharp enough to cause discomfort or make penetration difficult. Some men experience pain, while others notice a loss of rigidity or changes in girth.

The condition can develop slowly or appear suddenly. And while it’s more common in men over 40, Peyronie’s disease can affect younger men too, especially after unnoticed injuries or repeated microtrauma during sex.

If left unaddressed, the curvature may worsen over time. Thus, this makes early detection and treatment crucial. At He Medical Clinic, our Men’s Health Services provides discreet and personalised evaluations to help determine what stage you’re in, and which solution fits best.

What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?

The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease isn’t always clear, but in many cases, it starts with some form of trauma to the penis even if you don’t remember it happening.

Injury or Repeated Microtrauma

The most common cause is physical trauma to the penis, either a one-time injury during sex or repeated microtrauma over time. Even something as routine as aggressive intercourse or sports-related accidents can cause microscopic tears in the tunica albuginea (the thick tissue surrounding the erection chambers). In response, the body builds scar tissue or “plaques” which harden and pull on the surrounding tissue, causing curvature.

What’s tricky is that many men don’t even remember an injury occurring as this damage can be subtle and cumulative.

Genetic Predisposition

A 1982 study in the Journal of Urology documented familial cases of Peyronie’s Disease showing autosomal dominant inheritance, suggesting a genetic component, especially among those with Dupuytren’s contracture (a similar condition affecting the hands). Genetics may also influence how your body responds to injury or how scar tissue forms.

Age-Related Changes

Peyronie’s typically affects men between 40 and 70, although it can occur earlier. As we age, our tissues naturally lose elasticity and repair more slowly, making it easier for scarring to build up after minor injuries. Erectile function also becomes more vulnerable to disruption.

Secondary to Other Conditions

Peyronie’s is also linked to other health issues. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease have higher risks, likely because these conditions impair blood flow and damage blood vessels. Poor vascular health means slower healing, which increases the chances of fibrosis and plaque formation.

Peyronie’s vs Normal Curvature: What’s the Difference?

Not all curved erections are cause for concern. In fact, many men naturally have a slight bend in their penis and it doesn’t interfere with sexual function. But when that bend becomes painful, more pronounced, or affects performance, it could be Peyronie’s disease.

Here’s how to tell the difference:

A Natural Bend vs Abnormal Curvature

A normal penile curve is usually consistent, painless, and doesn’t worsen over time. It’s just part of your body’s anatomy. In contrast, the curvature caused by Peyronie’s tends to appear suddenly, may worsen, and is often accompanied by other symptoms like hard lumps or pain during erections.

Peyronie’s-related bends typically exceed 30 degrees and can make penetration difficult or even impossible. The curve may point upward, downward, or sideways, depending on where the scar tissue forms.

How Erections Are Affected

With normal curvature, erections are usually strong and painless. But Peyronie’s often leads to difficulties getting or maintaining an erection. That’s because the scar tissue interferes with the normal blood flow and elasticity needed for full rigidity.

In many cases, the plaque can cause a “hinge effect” during an erection where the shaft bends sharply at a point, reducing structural strength.

This is one reason why some men with Peyronie’s also experience erectile dysfunction (ED). If you’re unsure which condition you’re facing, it’s worth visiting a clinic that specializes in both curved erections and ED treatment in Malaysia.

Psychological and Physical Impact

Beyond the physical, the emotional toll can be just as serious. Men with Peyronie’s often report anxiety, lowered self-esteem, and relationship stress. Many avoid intimacy altogether due to embarrassment or fear of failure.

Recognizing that this is a real medical condition is crucial. There’s no shame in seeking help, especially with non-surgical Peyronie’s treatment options now available at modern men’s clinics.

Your Treatment Options for Peyronie’s Disease

If you’ve been diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease or strongly suspect it, the next logical question is: how do you treat it?

The best treatment depends on how severe the curve is, whether you have pain or erectile dysfunction, and how long you’ve had the symptoms. Fortunately, not all cases need surgery. Many men respond well to non-invasive or minimally invasive options, especially when caught early.

At He Medical Clinic, our goal is to restore both function and confidence without jumping straight to surgery.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

One of the most promising non-invasive treatments, ESWT delivers low-intensity acoustic waves to targeted areas of the penis. These waves stimulate a process known as neovascularization to trigger the body’s natural healing response. This helps to break down scar tissue (plaque) and promote the growth of new blood vessels.

What makes ESWT especially valuable is its dual benefit. In addition to treating Peyronie’s, it’s widely used to improve erectile dysfunction (ED). By enhancing blood flow and vascular function, ESWT supports stronger, more sustainable erections, particularly in men whose ED is caused by poor circulation. While it may not work for all cases, it’s particularly helpful in the early or stable phase of the disease. Most patients undergo multiple sessions spaced weekly, with minimal discomfort and no downtime.

Vacuum Erection Devices (VED)

A vacuum erection device, or commonly known as a penile pump creates a negative pressure around the penis to draw blood into the erectile tissue. When used regularly and correctly, this can serve two purposes: help maintain penile length and assist in preventing curvature from worsening.

For men with Peyronie’s, VEDs may improve penile flexibility and oxygenation, slowing plaque development. Some men also use them in tandem with traction or injection therapies for better outcomes. While results vary, this method remains a non-invasive, low-risk option for men unwilling or unfit for surgery.

However, it’s important to use medical-grade pumps under professional guidance. Improper use may cause bruising or discomfort, especially if the penis is already sensitive from fibrous tissue.

Penile Traction Therapy (PTT)

PTT is a non-invasive method where a medical-grade traction device is worn for several hours daily. It gently stretches the penis over time to reduce curvature and potentially regain lost length.

Clinical studies show PTT may help improve curvature by 20-30 degrees in some men when used consistently. It’s also a good adjunct to other therapies like PRP or injections.

Oral Medications

While oral treatments won’t straighten severe curves, they can be helpful in the early phase of Peyronie’s, especially if inflammation is still active.

Some commonly used medications include:

• Vitamin E: A natural antioxidant once thought to reduce plaque. Evidence is mixed, but it’s still used in mild cases.
• Potassium para-aminobenzoate (Potaba): Has anti-fibrotic properties, though side effects limit its use.
• Colchicine or Tamoxifen: Occasionally prescribed to manage inflammation.

These drugs are best used under medical guidance and combination with physical therapy or traction.

The P-Shot (PRP) for Peyronie’s Disease

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, also called the P-Shot, involves extracting growth factor-rich plasma from your blood and injecting it into specific areas of the penis.

For Peyronie’s, PRP helps:

• Improve blood flow and tissue regeneration
• Soften plaques in early-stage cases
• Enhance erectile strength and sensitivity

Unlike other treatments, PRP treatment at He Medical Clinic is natural and virtually free from side effects. It’s especially helpful when paired with traction therapy for men looking for non-invasive Peyronie’s treatments in Malaysia.

Surgical Options (For Severe Cases)

Surgery is reserved for men with advanced Peyronie’s that don’t respond to other treatments. Types include:

• Plication: Shortens the unaffected side to counter the bend.
• Incision and grafting: Removes the scar tissue and fills the gap with a graft.
• Penile prosthesis: For men with both Peyronie’s and severe erectile dysfunction.

While effective, surgery carries risks like loss of length, numbness, or reduced rigidity. Thus, we only recommend it as a last resort. 

What He Medical Clinic Offers

We focus on non-surgical, regenerative solutions for Peyronie’s, especially in the early to moderate stages. These include:

• PRP (P-Shot)
• Hormonal optimization (if testosterone is low)
• Traction guidance and monitoring
• ED support when needed 

What Happens If Peyronie’s Is Left Untreated?

Many men hesitate to get help for Peyronie’s Disease, thinking the curve might go away on its own. While mild cases may stabilise, untreated Peyronie’s often worsens in the form of physical and emotional.

Risk of Worsening Curvature

The scar tissue (plaque) causing the curve can become more fibrous over time. This leads to a more severe bend that can eventually make penetration difficult or impossible. In many cases, the curvature progresses if no treatment is initiated within the first 12–18 months.

Sexual Dysfunction

Another curveball is, Peyronie’s can affect the quality of erections. Blood flow may be disrupted, leading to softer erections or complete erectile dysfunction. In some cases, the deformity also results in pain during intercourse, making intimacy stressful or even impossible.

Emotional Impact

Let’s not ignore the mental load. Peyronie’s has been linked to high rates of performance anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression in men. It’s not just a physical condition, it also affects identity, relationships, and quality of life.

The bottom line is: Leaving Peyronie’s Disease untreated rarely improves the situation. Early intervention gives you more treatment options and a better chance at restoring normal function.