Peyronie's disease is an acquired condition in which fibrous plaques form in the tunica albuginea of the penis, causing abnormal curvature during erection. It may be accompanied by pain, penile shortening and difficulty with penetration.
The disease typically goes through two phases: an acute or inflammatory phase, in which pain appears and curvature may progress, and a chronic or stable phase, in which pain subsides and curvature stabilises. The duration of each phase varies between individuals.
The timing of assessment matters: during the acute phase, options to reduce progression and pain may be considered, while in the stable chronic phase, corrective surgery is an option for those whose curvature makes penetration difficult.