Penile curvature can be reduced or corrected, but the right approach depends on what’s causing it and how severe it is. A slight curve during erection is normal for most men and doesn’t need treatment. When curvature causes pain, makes sex difficult, or measures beyond 30 degrees, several proven options exist ranging from traction devices to injections to surgery.
The first step is understanding whether your curvature is something you’ve always had or something that developed over time, because the cause determines which treatments will work.
Two Different Causes of Curvature
Penile curvature falls into two categories. Congenital curvature (sometimes called chordee) is present from birth and results from the way elastic tissue in the penis formed during fetal development. It usually bends downward or slightly to one side, and there’s no scar tissue involved. Many men with congenital curvature don’t notice it until puberty or their first sexual experiences.
Peyronie’s disease is the other cause, and it’s acquired, meaning it develops at some point in adult life. It happens when scar tissue (called plaque) builds up in the tough outer layer of the penis. This plaque is mostly collagen, and it prevents that section of tissue from stretching normally during an erection, pulling the penis toward the scarred side. The trigger is often repeated minor injury during sex or physical activity, though some men develop it without any obvious trauma. Peyronie’s can cause pain, especially early on, and the curve can worsen over weeks or months before stabilizing.
When Treatment Is Recommended
Not every curve needs medical intervention. Doctors generally consider treatment when curvature exceeds 30 degrees, when it causes pain that doesn’t resolve on its own, or when it makes penetrative sex difficult or impossible. Peyronie’s disease also has two distinct phases that matter for treatment timing. The active phase involves ongoing pain, and the curve may still be changing. The stable phase means the curve has stopped progressing and pain has resolved, typically after 12 to 18 months. Most corrective treatments work best once the disease has stabilized.
During the active phase, anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain. Attempting aggressive correction while the plaque is still forming can lead to poor results or recurrence.
Traction Therapy: The Least Invasive Option
Penile traction devices apply a gentle, sustained stretch to the penis over time. They work for both congenital curvature and Peyronie’s disease, and they’re one of the few things you can do at home. Older protocols called for three to eight hours of daily use for up to six months, which was impractical for most men. Newer traction systems have shown measurable results with just 30 to 90 minutes of daily use over three months.
Traction therapy produces modest improvements in curvature, typically in the range of 10 to 20 degrees, and may also help recover some penile length. It’s often used alongside other treatments rather than as a standalone fix for significant curves. A urologist can recommend a specific device and schedule based on your situation.
Injection Therapy for Peyronie’s Disease
The only FDA-approved injection treatment for Peyronie’s disease uses an enzyme that breaks down collagen. It’s approved for men whose curve measures between 30 and 90 degrees and who can still achieve erections (with or without medication). The enzyme is injected directly into the plaque, where it dissolves the collagen fibers that form the scar.
Treatment follows a structured cycle: two injections spaced one to three days apart, followed by an in-office modeling procedure where the doctor manually stretches the penis to help break down the weakened plaque. This cycle repeats every six weeks for up to four rounds per plaque. Between office visits, you’ll also perform gentle stretching at home, applying light pressure opposite to the direction of the curve while erect. If the curvature drops below 15 degrees after any cycle, treatment stops.
Results vary. Some men see significant straightening, while others experience more modest improvement. The injections carry risks including bruising, swelling, and in rare cases, penile fracture, so they should only be administered by an experienced urologist.
Surgical Correction
Surgery is the most effective way to straighten the penis and is typically reserved for men with stable Peyronie’s disease who haven’t responded well enough to other treatments, or for significant congenital curvature. There are two main approaches.
Plication Surgery
Plication involves placing stitches on the longer side of the penis (opposite the curve) to even out the difference in length between sides. It’s a simpler procedure with straightening success rates between 79% and 100%, and patient satisfaction ranging from 67% to 100%. The trade-off is some penile shortening, which can be up to 3 centimeters in some cases. For men with a moderate curve and good erectile function, plication is often the preferred surgical option because it carries a lower risk of erectile problems afterward.
Plaque Incision and Grafting
For more complex deformities, including severe curves or hourglass-shaped narrowing, surgeons can cut into or remove the plaque and patch the area with graft tissue. This approach can address length loss better than plication and handles complicated shapes that stitching alone can’t fix. However, it carries higher risks: altered sensation in the head of the penis, curvature coming back if the graft contracts over time, and a greater chance of erectile difficulties after surgery. This option is generally reserved for the most severe cases.
Treatments That Don’t Work for Curvature
Shockwave therapy is widely marketed for Peyronie’s disease, but the evidence is not encouraging. The American Urological Association reviewed the available research and recommended against using shockwave therapy to treat penile curvature or plaques. Across four randomized controlled trials, none showed a statistically significant improvement in curvature. In two of those trials, up to 40% of men in the shockwave group actually saw their curve get worse. The therapy may offer some benefit for Peyronie’s-related pain, but even that effect is modest, and the overall utility is considered low by clinical guidelines.
Vitamin E supplements, various oral medications marketed for plaque reduction, and over-the-counter “curvature correction” devices without clinical evidence behind them also lack proof of meaningful benefit. No pill dissolves established penile plaque.
What a Realistic Outcome Looks Like
Complete straightening is possible, especially with surgery, but most non-surgical treatments aim for meaningful improvement rather than perfection. A reduction of 15 to 30 degrees can be enough to eliminate pain during sex and restore function. Many men with mild residual curvature after treatment find it causes no practical problems.
The timeline matters too. Traction therapy takes months of consistent daily use. Injection therapy spans several months across multiple treatment cycles. Surgical recovery typically takes six to eight weeks before resuming sexual activity. If you’re in the active phase of Peyronie’s disease with ongoing pain and a changing curve, the most important thing you can do right now is get evaluated by a urologist, because premature treatment can mean retreating later. A urologist can measure your curvature precisely, determine which phase you’re in, and map out the options that fit your specific anatomy and goals.