How Peyronie’s Disease Can Affect Your Sex Life

The good news? Not all men need treatment, especially if their symptoms are mild and not interfering with their sexual function.

If you do have Peyronie’s disease, being informed is the best thing you can do for yourself and your partners, says licensed clinical social worker Allison Kent, a sex and relationship counselor. 

Even if you don’t have it, Kent says that getting clarity about what’s going on with your penis will be validating. 

Find a doctor you feel comfortable with. Certified sex therapist Rosara Torrisi, founding director of the Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy, says if you don't really connect with your doctor, and that's why you're not bringing it up, find another doctor.

Treatment options. There are effective, evidence-based treatments for Peyronie’s disease, Winston says, and the earlier your condition is evaluated, the better the chances for a good outcome. 

Medication. There’s only one FDA-approved treatment: a drug called Xiaflex, or collagenase clostridium histolyticum, that is injected directly into the penile plaque by a urologist. A numbing medication is typically used before the injection. Winston says the treatment includes a series of injections and “penile modeling,” or gentle stretching and straightening exercises, over several weeks. In clinical studies, curvature improved by 30 to 35 percent on average, according to Winston, though individual results vary. 

Surgery. Surgical options are usually reserved for severe cases, especially when intercourse is not possible. If you do consider surgery, Winston recommends asking yourself, “What’s the goal I’m looking for: improved appearance, better function, or both?” The answer will help guide your decision. Surgical options include: 

1. Plication surgery: In this procedure, done under anesthesia and usually as an outpatient, sutures are placed on the opposite side of the curve to straighten the penis. Winston says the surgery takes one to two hours, with a four- to six-week recovery period. Plication surgery has a success rate of 85 to 90 percent, though some permanent penile shortening can occur from the surgery. 

2. Grafting: In cases with significant curvature and length loss, the plaque may be excised and replaced with biologic graft materials. The procedure usually takes two to three hours, depending on the complexity, and is done under anesthesia. Winston says most men need six to eight weeks before resuming sexual activity and vigorous exercise. Success rates — representing a meaningful improvement in curvature and sexual function — are generally in the range of 80 to 90 percent, according to Winston. 

3. Penile prosthesis: In this procedure, used for men with severe curvature and erectile dysfunction, a device is surgically implanted into the penis and scrotum to both straighten the penis and allow for rigidity. The surgery takes one to two hours, with a recovery period of four to six weeks. Winston says there’s a high satisfaction and success rate: typically over 90 percent. 

Peyronie’s disease doesn’t mean the end of your sex life. With some creativity and communication, many men with the condition continue to have satisfying sex, Needle says. 

She suggests exploring new positions, using lubrication to reduce friction, and focusing on intimacy beyond penetration. “Sexual satisfaction is about connection, not perfection,” she says. 

And sexuality educator Stella Harris wants to remind you: “Your penis is not the end-all, be-all.” Many people, according to Harris, assume that sex is only one thing — penis-in-vagina — and that to have an erection, you need a perfectly straight penis. That’s not the case, she says; plus, there’s so much pleasure to be had in other ways. 

Emotional support matters, too. Harris urges you to talk to your partner about mixing it up in bed. “I guarantee it’s less important to your partner than you think it is,” she says. “If you get good at all the other stuff, sex will be fine — better than fine.” 

And talking to a mental health professional is always a good option, says Needle, who recommends finding one who specializes in sexuality.  

“Your sexual health includes your emotional and relational well-being,” she says. “Don’t let fear or embarrassment keep you from getting the support you need. Your health, confidence and intimacy are worth it.”