Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which scar tissue, called a plaque, forms inside the penis, causing it to curve, shorten, or develop a noticeable bend during erection. It affects an estimated 1 in 11 men in the UK at some point in their lives, yet it remains significantly underdiagnosed because many men do not seek help due to embarrassment or a belief that nothing can be done. That assumption is wrong. Effective, clinically led treatment options are available in the UK today, both surgical and non-surgical, and the earlier a man seeks assessment, the broader his options tend to be. At Dr SW Clinics on Harley Street, London, Peyronie’s disease is treated as a genuine medical condition deserving of serious, evidence-informed care.
Peyronie’s disease develops in two phases. The first is the acute phase, during which the plaque is forming. This can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months and may involve pain during erection, a noticeable change in penile shape, and a degree of erectile difficulty. The second is the chronic phase, when the plaque has stabilised and the curvature becomes fixed.
Understanding which phase a patient is in matters clinically, because some treatments are more appropriate during the acute phase and others are better suited once the condition has stabilised. This is one of the key reasons why early assessment is recommended rather than a watch-and-wait approach.
The condition can also have a significant psychological impact. Research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine has found that men with Peyronie’s disease report higher rates of depression, relationship strain, and reduced self-esteem than matched controls. Treating the physical condition without acknowledging the psychological dimension misses a meaningful part of the picture.
Low-intensity shockwave therapy delivers acoustic waves to the affected tissue, stimulating blood flow and targeting the fibrous plaque. It is one of the more widely used non-surgical approaches in UK andrology clinics and is generally considered appropriate for men in the earlier stages of the condition. A typical course involves multiple sessions over several weeks.
It is important to note that shockwave therapy for Peyronie’s disease is not yet classified as a first-line treatment by all UK clinical guidelines, and individual results vary. A thorough consultation is necessary to determine whether it is suitable for a specific patient.
Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (marketed as Xiaflex in the US and Xiapex in Europe) is an enzyme-based injectable treatment that breaks down the collagen in Peyronie’s plaques. It is the only pharmacological treatment with regulatory approval specifically for Peyronie’s disease in adult men with a palpable plaque and a curvature of 30 degrees or more.
The treatment involves a series of injections administered directly into the plaque, followed by penile modelling exercises. It is not suitable for all patients and requires careful clinical assessment before use.
Penile traction devices, used consistently over a period of months, may help reduce curvature and recover some penile length in men with Peyronie’s disease. They are often recommended alongside other treatments rather than as a standalone intervention. Compliance is a significant factor in outcomes.
Various oral agents have been studied in Peyronie’s disease, including vitamin E, potassium para-aminobenzoate (Potaba), and colchicine. The evidence base for most oral treatments is limited. They may be considered in specific circumstances but are not universally recommended as primary interventions.
Surgery is generally reserved for men whose condition has stabilised, typically for at least 12 months, and whose curvature is severe enough to prevent or significantly impair intercourse. Surgical options include:
Surgical intervention carries its own risks, including changes in penile length, sensation, and erectile function, and these are discussed in full with any patient for whom surgery is being considered.
At Dr SW Clinics, Peyronie’s disease is assessed and treated within a broader framework of male sexual wellness. Dr Sherif Wakil brings specialist knowledge in both the physical and psychological dimensions of the condition. The clinic’s approach begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination, followed by a discussion of all appropriate options for that individual patient.
This sits within the clinic’s wider commitment to sexual rejuvenation as a clinical discipline, one that treats intimate health with the same rigour applied to any other area of medicine.
The Harley Street setting provides a private, clinical environment where men can discuss a condition they may never have spoken about before. Many patients arrive having spent months or years managing Peyronie’s disease in silence. The consultation is where that changes.
If you are concerned about penile curvature or pain during erection, contact Dr SW Clinics to arrange a confidential assessment. Early intervention typically offers more options.
For patients managing Peyronie’s alongside other physical health concerns, the clinic’s pain management services may also be relevant, particularly where discomfort during erection or daily activity is a factor.
Men who come to Dr SW Clinics with Peyronie’s disease frequently arrive with similar questions, concerns, and misconceptions. The section below addresses the most common ones.
Understanding your condition clearly is the first step toward making informed decisions about your care. A consultation with a specialist is always the appropriate starting point, and Dr SW Clinics welcomes enquiries from men at any stage of the condition.
Beyond treatment, the clinic’s life optimisation programmes support men in addressing overall physical and psychological wellbeing alongside any specific clinical intervention.
It is worth stating plainly: Peyronie’s disease affects how men feel about themselves, not just how they function physically. Anxiety before intimacy, avoidance of sexual situations, and a reluctance to discuss the condition with a partner are all common. These responses are understandable, but they can compound the problem over time.
A clinician-led assessment at Dr SW Clinics considers both dimensions. Treatment is not simply about correcting curvature. It is about restoring confidence and quality of life. The clinic’s philosophy, as expressed through The O Concept, is that sexual wellness is an integral part of overall health, and it should be treated accordingly.
Speak to Dr SW Clinics about your concerns. The conversation is confidential, and the clinical team is experienced in helping men navigate this condition from first questions through to treatment and beyond.
In some cases, mild curvature may stabilise or partially improve without treatment, particularly in the early acute phase. However, significant curvature rarely resolves completely without intervention, and waiting too long can limit treatment options. Early assessment is recommended.
Research suggests it affects approximately 9 to 10 percent of men, though many cases go undiagnosed. It can develop at any age but is more frequently seen in men over 40.
Yes. The scar tissue can interfere with the mechanics of erection, and the psychological impact of the condition can also contribute to erectile difficulties. Both aspects can be addressed through appropriate clinical intervention.
Some treatments, including surgical options in severe cases, may be available through the NHS, though waiting times and access can vary significantly by region. Private clinics such as Dr SW Clinics offer faster access to a broader range of treatment options.
Treatment aims to reduce curvature, relieve pain, and restore sexual function to a clinically meaningful degree. Complete restoration to a pre-disease state cannot be guaranteed, and outcomes vary between individuals.
If you have noticed a new curve, pain during erection, or a change in penile shape, you should seek a specialist assessment promptly rather than waiting to see whether it resolves. The acute phase is generally the most responsive to non-surgical intervention.
Dr SW Clinics
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