Let’s start with the obvious: no two penises are exactly alike. Some are larger, some slimmer, and some are more ‘growers’ than ‘show-ers’.

Shape can vary too, with some men having a noticeable curve. A slight bend – around 15 degrees or less – is completely normal. But some men experience a more significant curvature caused by Peyronie’s disease.

‘Peyronie’s disease is essentially a scarring process where some of the normal penile tissue is replaced by fibrous plaque,’ says Amarnath Rambhatla, MD, a Detroit-based urologist specialising in men’s sexual health. The plaque pulls on surrounding tissue, causing the penis to bend, usually during an erection. This is the hallmark symptom of Peyronie’s disease.

‘If the curvature is less than 30 degrees, that’s considered mild, whereas up to 60 degrees is moderate,’ Dr Rambhatla says. ‘Above 60 degrees is significant and can really affect sexual activity.’

If you’ve experienced penile curvature – particularly a more severe bend – here’s what may be causing it, and what can be done about it.

What Causes a Curved Penis?

It’s not entirely clear, but experts believe the condition may develop over time due to repeated ‘micro-traumas’ – small injuries to penile tissue that can occur during sex or sport.

‘Over time, that can lead to scarring,’ Dr Rambhatla says.

That’s one reason Peyronie’s tends to become more common with age, particularly in men in their 40s, 50s and 60s. (This differs from congenital curvature, which is present from birth but may only become noticeable later in life.)

Some men also appear genetically predisposed to the condition, including those with a family history of Peyronie’s or connective tissue disorders such as Dupuytren contracture, which causes tissues in the hands to thicken and tighten.

How Can You Relieve the Pain?

Pain associated with Peyronie’s disease is often temporary and tends to occur during the acute phase – typically the first six to 12 months, when scar tissue is actively developing.

‘Initially there’s an inflammatory process when the scar develops, and with inflammation people sometimes experience pain and discomfort,’ Dr Rambhatla says.

In some cases, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen may help manage symptoms.

Once the condition stabilises, Peyronie’s enters the chronic phase. At this point, much of the pain may settle, although erections or sex can still be uncomfortable.

If symptoms persist – or if the curvature is affecting your sex life or your partner’s comfort – it’s worth seeing a urologist.

Treatment options can include collagenase injections, traction therapy, or both.

Collagenase injections are administered directly into the penis and work by helping break down the scar tissue causing the bend. Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) is currently the only FDA-approved treatment for Peyronie’s disease in men with a curvature greater than 30 degrees.

Traction therapy involves wearing a device that gradually stretches the penis in the opposite direction of the curve. Research suggests this may improve curvature by around 25 degrees in some cases.

Surgery is usually reserved for more severe cases and is typically only considered during the chronic stage of the disease.

Peyronie’s rarely resolves completely on its own.

‘In a very small percentage of men, it can improve naturally, but for the majority it will persist or sometimes worsen over time,’ says Dr Rambhatla.

That’s why seeking treatment early matters. Some interventions are more effective during the earlier stages and may help limit the severity of the curvature.

‘[Your penis] may not look exactly the same as it did before, but our goal is to restore functional erections,’ Dr Rambhatla says.

How Can You Deal with the Embarrassment?

First, it’s important to know you’re not alone. Research published in PLOS ONE suggests roughly one in 10 men may experience Peyronie’s disease.

‘And it’s likely we’re underestimating the prevalence because many men feel embarrassed talking about it,’ says Dr Rambhatla.

He adds that men who cope best with the condition often have supportive partners and communicate openly about symptoms.

For example, if erections have become painful or sex feels difficult, being honest about it may help prevent misunderstandings in your relationship.

If the condition is affecting your confidence, causing anxiety, or contributing to sexual difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, seeking support from a therapist or sex therapist may also help.

Dr Rambhatla also recommends seeing a urologist who specialises in sexual health and dysfunction.

‘Sometimes general urologists don’t treat Peyronie’s disease as frequently as specialists who focus specifically on sexual dysfunction,’ he says. ‘This is something they see every day, and there are very effective treatment options available.’