Can Peyronie’s Disease Get Worse Without Treatment?

• 28 June 2026
• Mr. Leon Almashan

Last updated on July 8, 2026

If you’ve recently noticed a bend in the penis, discomfort during erections or changes in shape that seem to be developing over time, it’s natural to wonder whether the condition will continue to worsen. For some men, one of the first challenges is understanding whether these changes represent Peyronie’s disease or normal curvature, particularly if symptoms have developed gradually.

The short answer is that Peyronie’s disease can get worse without treatment in some men, especially during the earlier stage of the condition. However, progression varies significantly. Some men notice increasing curvature, new deformity or erectile changes, while others experience limited progression before symptoms stabilise.

Understanding how Peyronie’s disease may develop over time can help you make calmer, better-informed decisions about monitoring symptoms, seeking advice and considering treatment options if needed.

What Peyronie’s Disease Is

Peyronie’s disease occurs when scar tissue, known as plaque, develops within the penis and affects its shape, flexibility or function.

Many people associate Peyronie’s disease only with penile curvature, but the condition can affect men in several ways. Symptoms may include:

• Penile curvature
• Indentations or narrowing
• Changes in penile shape
• Plaque formation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Penile shortening
• Pain during erections
• Difficulties during sexual activity

The way these symptoms develop can vary from person to person. This is one reason why Peyronie’s disease is difficult to predict without assessment.

Why Symptoms Can Change Over Time

Peyronie’s disease often develops gradually, and symptoms may evolve as scar tissue forms and changes.

Plaque is not always static in the earlier stage of the condition. As scar tissue develops, it may affect how penile tissue stretches during an erection. This can lead to changes in curvature, shape, erectile function or comfort during sex.

Some men notice relatively mild changes. Others experience more obvious progression before symptoms become stable.

Questions about progression are common because many men are unsure whether symptoms will settle naturally or continue to evolve. This uncertainty is one reason people often ask whether Peyronie’s disease can go away on its own before deciding whether specialist assessment may be worthwhile.

The Acute Stage Of Peyronie’s Disease

The Acute Stage is typically when symptoms are most likely to change and develop.

During this stage, scar tissue may still be forming and the condition may feel unpredictable. Men may notice new plaque formation, changing curvature, pain during erections, deformity, penile shortening or changes in erectile function.

For some men, the Acute Stage involves only limited progression. For others, changes become more noticeable over time.

This stage can be frustrating because it is not always possible to predict exactly how symptoms will develop. Progression during the Acute Stage does not mean severe curvature or major deformity will definitely occur, but it does mean changes should be taken seriously.

The Chronic Stage Of Peyronie’s Disease

The Chronic Stage is generally characterised by symptom stabilisation rather than ongoing progression.

By this stage, many men find that curvature or deformity becomes more consistent. Plaque changes may slow, and pain often improves or resolves. However, stabilisation does not always mean symptoms stop affecting daily life or sexual function.

Men in the Chronic Stage may still experience:

• Stable curvature
• Persistent deformity
• Erectile dysfunction
• Penile shortening
• Difficulties during intercourse
• Reduced sexual confidence

One important point is that pain does not usually continue worsening indefinitely. Pain is often more noticeable during the Acute Stage and may improve as the condition moves into the Chronic Stage.

When Curvature May Become More Noticeable

Curvature may become more noticeable as plaque affects how penile tissue stretches during an erection.

This does not mean curvature always worsens. Some men experience only minor changes, while others notice more significant progression before symptoms stabilise.

Curvature may become more apparent when plaque increases, tissue flexibility changes, erectile quality declines or deformity develops. For some men, the practical impact matters more than the measured degree of curvature.

Even moderate curvature can affect intercourse, confidence or comfort depending on its direction and associated symptoms.

How Pain Can Develop Or Improve

Pain is most commonly associated with the Acute Stage of Peyronie’s disease and often improves over time.

Pain may occur during erections, sexual activity or as a more general discomfort in the penis. It can be alarming, especially when it appears alongside visible changes in shape.

However, pain does not necessarily mean the condition will continue to worsen. In many men, discomfort becomes less prominent as the condition enters the Chronic Stage and structural changes become more stable.

Individual experiences vary, but persistent worsening pain is not usually the defining feature of later-stage Peyronie’s disease.

Impact On Erections And Sexual Confidence

Peyronie’s disease can affect more than penile shape.

Some men experience erectile dysfunction alongside curvature or deformity. In these cases, erection quality may have as much impact on sexual function as the bend itself.

The condition may also affect confidence, relationships and willingness to initiate intimacy. Men may worry about pain, appearance, performance or whether intercourse will be possible.

This emotional impact is not secondary or unimportant. For many men, the loss of confidence can become one of the most distressing parts of the condition.

Can Multiple Plaques Develop?

Although many men develop a single plaque, some men develop multiple plaques that can contribute to more complex deformities.

A single plaque may create one main area of curvature. Multiple plaques may affect the penis in different areas and can sometimes contribute to more complicated changes in shape.

These may include:

• Curvature in more than one direction
• Hourglass deformity
• Narrowing of the penile shaft
• More complex changes during erection

Multiple plaques do not automatically mean symptoms will be severe. However, they show why Peyronie’s disease should not be viewed as a simple curvature problem.

Why Some Men Delay Seeking Help

Many men delay seeking advice even when symptoms are changing.

Common reasons include embarrassment, uncertainty, hoping symptoms will improve naturally, assuming changes are part of ageing or not knowing what treatment options exist.

This hesitation is understandable. Peyronie’s disease can feel difficult to talk about, and many men are unsure whether their symptoms are serious enough to discuss with a clinician.

Another reason some men delay seeking help is the belief that the condition is rare. In reality, Peyronie’s disease may be more common than many people realise, although it is not always diagnosed promptly. Understanding how common Peyronie’s disease is among men in the UK can help some men recognise they are not dealing with an unusual problem.

When Peyronie’s Disease Needs Specialist Assessment

Specialist assessment may be worthwhile if symptoms are changing, affecting sexual function or causing concern.

You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe before seeking advice. Assessment may be useful if you notice progressive curvature, new deformity, erectile dysfunction, persistent discomfort, difficulty during intercourse or a growing impact on confidence.

A specialist consultation can help clarify whether symptoms appear to be in the Acute Stage or Chronic Stage, whether they are still changing and which management options may be appropriate.

If you’ve noticed changes in curvature, erectile function or penile discomfort, a specialist assessment may help you better understand what is happening and what options may be available. You can contact us to discuss your symptoms and concerns.

Treatment Options To Consider

Not every man with Peyronie’s disease requires active treatment, and the right approach depends on symptoms, severity, stage and individual goals.

For some men, monitoring may be appropriate. Others may wish to explore non-surgical options, sexual health assessment or specialist-led treatment planning.

Treatment options may include:

• Observation and monitoring
• Assessment of erectile function
• Non-surgical treatment approaches
• Specialist treatment planning
• Surgery in selected cases

Some men also explore shockwave therapy as part of a broader treatment strategy. However, suitability varies, and no single treatment is right for every patient.

The most important step is understanding how your symptoms are developing and what options may be relevant to your circumstances.

Symptoms may progress during the Acute Stage as plaque develops and changes occur within the penile tissue. However, progression is highly individual, and not every man experiences significant worsening.

Many men eventually reach the Chronic Stage, where symptoms become more stable and pain often improves. Curvature, deformity, erectile dysfunction or penile shortening may still remain and may continue to affect sexual function.

Understanding the difference between the Acute Stage and Chronic Stage can reduce uncertainty and help you decide whether specialist assessment is appropriate.

If you are concerned about changes in curvature, erectile function or discomfort, getting a clearer picture of what is happening is often the most useful next step.