Peyronie's Disease
Fibrous scar tissue causing curved, painful erections.
TL;DR
Penile curvature from Peyronie's is scar tissue, and the phase matters: in the active phase (pain, changing curvature) traction therapy has the best non-surgical evidence; stable severe curvature is a surgical conversation. Vitamin E is commonly tried but has failed in trials — do not let supplements delay a urology visit, since early traction works best. Pain-free curvature present since puberty is a normal variant, not Peyronie's.
Overview
Scar tissue (plaque) forming in the shaft of the penis, causing curvature, pain, or indentation during erection — often appearing after minor or unrecognised injury, most commonly in middle age. The condition has an active phase (pain, changing shape) and a stable phase, and treatment options differ significantly between them.
Root Causes
Evidence synthesis: Penile traction therapy has the strongest non-surgical evidence — randomised and cohort studies show modest curvature improvement and length preservation with daily use during the active phase. Intralesional collagenase (Xiaflex) is FDA-approved with RCT support for stable-phase curvature. Vitamin E, the most popular supplement, has been tested and failed — controlled studies show no benefit over placebo, and urology guidelines recommend against it. Pentoxifylline has weak, inconsistent data. A key triage distinction: congenital curvature (present since puberty, painless, no plaque) is a normal anatomical variant requiring no treatment. Roughly 1 in 10 men with Peyronie's also have Dupuytren's contracture of the hand.
How It's Diagnosed
When to See a Doctor
See a urologist if you notice a new curve, lump, pain during erection, or shortening, especially if it affects sexual function. Early assessment matters because treatment options differ between the active and stable phases. Seek prompt care after any penile injury, and be sceptical of supplements claiming to dissolve plaque, since none have convincing evidence.
Supplements Studied For This
Supporting Research
Non-surgical therapies for Peyronie's disease
Comparison of vitamin E and propionyl-L-carnitine, separately or in combination, in patients with early chronic Peyronie's disease: a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized study
Safety and efficacy of coenzyme Q10 supplementation in early chronic Peyronie's disease: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study
Potassium paraaminobenzoate (POTABA) in the treatment of Peyronie's disease: a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized study
Efficacy of vitamin E in the conservative treatment of Peyronie's disease: legend or reality? A controlled study of 70 cases
Frequently Asked Questions
My Notes
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.