A noticeable bend in the penis, often with pain or difficulty with erections, can be alarming and isolating — but it has a name and, importantly, effective treatments. Peyronie’s disease develops when scar tissue forms inside the penis, causing curvature, discomfort, and sometimes shortening or erectile difficulty. While a slight natural curve is normal, Peyronie’s involves a significant bend that can interfere with intimacy. The reassuring news is that it’s well understood and highly treatable.
Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified urologist, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and Assistant Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center whose practice is recognized as a Center of Excellence for Xiaflex, the only FDA-approved medication for Peyronie’s disease. Fellowship-trained in male reproductive and sexual medicine at UCLA, he offers the full spectrum of Peyronie’s care — from non-surgical injections to advanced reconstructive surgery. His work in men’s sexual health has been featured in national media including Men’s Health and the New York Post.
Dr Justin Houman is a wonderful guy. Go to him and feel confident in his care. He is easy to talk to about topics that are not easy. Hes funny, knowledgeable, reassuring, open to questions, nonjudgmental. Really feels like hes on your side. He also listened to me about a symptom another doc downplayed, and ended up solving the problem. I cant recommend this kind man highly enough!
What Is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which fibrous scar tissue, called plaque, forms within the penis, leading to curved, sometimes painful erections and occasional shortening. It typically moves through two phases. In the acute (active) phase, inflammation causes pain and the curvature may change over several months. In the chronic (stable) phase, the curve stabilizes and pain often subsides, though the plaque may harden. Knowing which phase you’re in is key, because it shapes which treatments are most appropriate and when.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Common symptoms include:
- Palpable scar tissue (plaque) beneath the skin of the penis
- A significant bend or curve in the erect penis
- Penile shortening, narrowing, or indentation
- Pain during erections, particularly in the early phase
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?
The leading explanation is that Peyronie’s results from repeated minor injury to the penis — often during sex or physical activity — that heals abnormally, forming scar tissue instead of healthy tissue. Not every man recalls a specific injury, and genetics appear to play a role: men with a family history or related connective-tissue conditions such as Dupuytren’s contracture are at higher risk. Age, smoking, and certain prostate surgeries are also associated with the condition.
Peyronie’s Disease Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the severity of the curve, the phase of the disease, and whether erectile dysfunction is also present:
- Xiaflex Injections: As a Xiaflex Center of Excellence, the practice offers this FDA-approved injectable that breaks down scar tissue to reduce curvature, paired with in-office and at-home stretching.
- Traction Therapy: Devices that gently stretch the penis over time can help reduce curvature and preserve length, often alongside other treatments.
- Other Injectable Medications: Agents such as verapamil are sometimes injected into the plaque, though these are used off-label with more limited evidence than Xiaflex.
- Surgery: For stable, severe curvature or when ED is present, options include plication, plaque incision with grafting, or a penile implant.
- Supportive Measures: Vacuum devices and stretching exercises may complement treatment in select cases.
Some men also ask about shockwave therapy for Peyronie’s, which may help with pain, though its role in reducing curvature is still considered investigational. Curvature without significant plaque is addressed on the penile curvature page.
When to Seek Treatment
Because the available options — and their effectiveness — depend on the phase of the disease, an early evaluation is valuable even if the curve is still changing. Catching Peyronie’s in its active phase opens the door to more options, while a stable phase allows for definitive treatments such as Xiaflex or surgery. Either way, there’s no reason to wait in silence, and earlier care often means a smoother path to improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peyronie’s Disease
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Yes — it’s highly treatable, with options ranging from the FDA-approved injectable Xiaflex to traction therapy and, for stable severe cases, surgery.
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Xiaflex is the only FDA-approved medication for Peyronie’s disease; it’s injected into the scar tissue to break it down and reduce curvature, and Dr. Houman’s practice is a Center of Excellence for it. Learn more on the Xiaflex injections page.
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Rarely — the curvature usually persists or worsens without treatment, which is why an early evaluation is worthwhile.
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It’s thought to result from minor injury to the penis that heals abnormally into scar tissue, with genetics and conditions like Dupuytren’s contracture raising the risk.
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Not necessarily — many men improve with non-surgical options like Xiaflex and traction; surgery is generally reserved for stable, severe curvature or when ED is also present.
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Yes — the scar tissue and curvature can interfere with erections, so treatment often addresses both the curve and any associated ED.
Why Choose Dr. Houman for Peyronie’s Disease Treatment in Los Angeles
- Xiaflex Center of Excellence: Recognized expertise in the only FDA-approved Peyronie’s medication.
- Full Spectrum of Care: Injections, traction, and advanced surgery under one specialist.
- Phase-Specific Treatment: Plans matched to the active or stable stage of your disease.
- Sexual Medicine Expertise: Fellowship-trained care addressing both curvature and function.
Meet Dr. Houman
Expert in Men’s Health with Tower Urology and Cedars Sinai
Dr. Justin Houman, MD, FACS is a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained microsurgeon at Tower Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His subspecialty training in male reproductive medicine and microsurgery is held by fewer than 2% of practicing urologists in the United States.
His clinical focus is narrow by design. Varicoceles, chronic testicular pain, male infertility, vasectomy, testosterone optimization, erectile dysfunction, penile implant surgery, and Peyronie’s disease are not add-on services here. They are the practice. Patients travel from across the country and internationally for procedures, particularly microsurgical varicocelectomy, spermatic cord denervation, and inflatable penile implant surgery, that require a level of subspecialty training and surgical volume most urology practices do not have.
Peyronie’s Disease Treatment in Los Angeles
Peyronie’s disease can affect confidence, comfort, and intimacy, but it’s a well-understood condition with genuinely effective treatments. As a Xiaflex Center of Excellence offering everything from injections to reconstructive surgery, Dr. Houman provides expert, discreet care for men across Los Angeles and Southern California. Contact the Los Angeles office to schedule a consultation and find the right approach for your situation.
