Peyronie's disease is the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis that causes curved, painful erections. It affects roughly 1 in 11 American men — approximately 6 million people.

Despite how common it is, most men with Peyronie's disease never seek treatment. The stigma around discussing penile health means millions quietly manage a condition that has real solutions.

What causes it?

Peyronie's is caused by repeated minor injury to the penis — most commonly during sex — that triggers an abnormal healing response. Instead of healing cleanly, tissue forms a hardened plaque of scar on the fibrous sheath surrounding the erectile tissue. When an erection occurs, the scar doesn't stretch normally, causing the bend.

Symptoms

• A curve or bend in the penis during erection — upward, downward, or to either side
• A hard lump or band of tissue under the skin
• Pain during erections, especially in the early stages
• Shortening or narrowing of the penis
• Difficulty achieving or maintaining erections in some cases

Two stages

Active phase (6–18 months): Plaque is forming. Pain is common. Curvature may be changing.

Stable phase (after 12–18 months): Plaque has hardened. Pain typically resolves. Curvature is consistent. This is when most treatments are most effective.

You've noticed something different. Maybe a curve that wasn't there before. Maybe a firmness under the skin, or erections that are slightly painful. You've probably Googled it at midnight rather than mentioned it to anyone. If that sounds familiar, you may be dealing with Peyronie's disease — and you're far from alone.

What exactly is it?

Peyronie's disease is the formation of fibrous scar tissue (plaque) inside the penis that causes it to curve during erection. It affects an estimated 1 in 11 American men — about 6 million people.

Signs you might have it

• New curvature: A bend that wasn't there before — upward, downward, or to either side
• Palpable lump: A hard, firm area you can feel under the skin
• Pain: Discomfort during erections, particularly early on
• Shortening or narrowing of the penis

The two stages

Active phase: The plaque is forming. Pain is common. Curvature may be changing. Typically lasts 6–18 months.

Stable phase: The scar has hardened. Pain typically resolves. This is when most treatments — including Forma — are most effective.

When you look up treatment options for Peyronie's disease, surgery and Xiaflex injections come up most. Both are effective. Both are also expensive, invasive, and require specialist access that most men — especially those who haven't told anyone — aren't ready to pursue.

Xiaflex: the clinical gold standard

FDA-approved. Works by breaking down collagen in the plaque. Requires up to 8 injection pairs from a urologist. Costs $25,000–$35,000 per course. Covered by insurance in some cases.

Surgery: effective but a last resort

Surgical options can produce dramatic curvature correction. Recommended only for severe cases where other treatments have failed. Risks include permanent shortening, numbness, and erectile dysfunction.

Traction therapy: evidence-based and non-invasive

RestoreX (developed with Mayo Clinic) has strong RCT data — 77% of men saw curvature improvement, mean reduction of 17.2 degrees. At $525 one-time, dramatically more affordable than Xiaflex. Limitation: requires 30–60 minutes of active daily use. Real-world compliance is significantly lower than in trials.

Where Forma fits

Forma applies the same mechanotransduction principle as traction therapy — passively, via a wearable sleeve worn overnight. No 45-minute sessions. For men in the stable phase with mild to moderate curvature who want a non-invasive first step they can start from home.