Below, we address some of the most common questions patients raise regarding the causes of Peyronie’s disease.
Causes of Peyronie's Disease
Why does Peyronie's disease occur?
Peyronie’s disease is caused by the formation of a fibrous plaque within the penis, which prevents the tissue from expanding uniformly and leads to curvature during an erection.
There is rarely a single cause. Generally, several factors come into play, disrupting the healing process following minor internal injuries.
As Dr. Rodrigo España, an andrology specialist in Málaga, points out: “In many cases, it involves repeated micro-trauma that heals abnormally in predisposed patients.”
Potential causes include micro-trauma during sexual activity, vascular factors such as diabetes, age-related changes, and a certain genetic predisposition.
Possible causes of Peyronie's disease or penile curvature
Peyronie’s disease is caused by the formation of a fibrous plaque within the penis, which leads to a loss of elasticity and curvature during an erection.
There is rarely a single cause. In most cases, several factors are involved that disrupt the normal tissue-healing process.
Repeated microtrauma
The most medically accepted cause is the occurrence of minor internal trauma during sexual intercourse.
Under normal circumstances, the tissue heals without any lasting effects. In some men, however, the repair process is abnormal, resulting in the formation of rigid fibrous tissue instead of elastic tissue. This fibrosis is what causes the curvature.
Often, the patient cannot recall any specific injury, as the condition stems from the accumulation of micro-traumas.
Vascular and metabolic factors
The vascular health of the penis directly influences the development of the condition.
Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol levels impair microcirculation. When blood flow is not optimal, the tissue becomes more vulnerable to inflammation and abnormal scarring.
For this reason, at our Andrology unit in Malaga, we always assess the patient’s vascular status.
Alteration in the healing process
Some men exhibit an exaggerated scarring response. This means that, in the event of a minor injury, the body produces excessive fibrosis.
This is not an external issue, but rather an individual biological characteristic. This predisposition explains why some men develop Peyronie’s disease while others do not, even when faced with similar circumstances.
Age and tissue changes
Peyronie’s disease is more common from the age of 40–50 onwards.
Over time, the tissue loses elasticity and regenerative capacity. This makes it easier for minor injuries to develop into structured fibrosis.
However, it can also occur in younger men.
There may also be a link to erectile dysfunction, as incomplete erections can lead to internal micro-trauma, and the curvature itself may hinder the achievement of full rigidity. In many cases, both issues occur together, which is why a comprehensive evaluation at Andrología Málaga is important.
Furthermore, some patients have a genetic predisposition—particularly if there is a family history or the presence of fibrosing conditions such as Dupuytren’s disease—suggesting that a biological component may be involved in certain cases.
Frequently asked questions about the causes of Peyronie's disease
Peyronie’s disease does not typically appear suddenly. It generally develops progressively following an internal inflammatory process. At our andrology clinic in Málaga, many patients report gradual changes in curvature or initial discomfort before the deviation becomes apparent.
No. As Dr. Rodrigo España, a specialist in Peyronie’s disease in Málaga, explains, micro-trauma can occur even during completely normal sexual activity. The causes of Peyronie’s disease are linked to abnormal scarring, not to improper sexual practices.
Yes. Vascular conditions—such as diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol—can contribute to alterations in the microcirculation of the penis, increasing the risk of fibrosis. For this reason, at TAUS Clinics – Andrology Málaga, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of vascular health.
It is not always possible to prevent it, as some causes of Peyronie’s disease are linked to an individual’s predisposition. However, managing vascular factors and consulting a specialist in Peyronie’s disease in Málaga at the first sign of symptoms can help limit its progression.
Not necessarily. Peyronie’s disease in Málaga—as is the case anywhere else—typically has an initial phase during which it may progress before eventually stabilizing. For this reason, an early assessment at Andrología Málaga is important to monitor its progression.
In some mild cases, the condition may stabilize, but the fibrous plaque typically does not disappear completely without treatment. For this reason, it is important to consult a specialist in Peyronie’s disease in Málaga. An early assessment at an andrology clinic in Málaga is essential to monitor how the condition progresses.
Experts in sexual health: treatments for Peyronie’s disease and penile curvature in Málaga
If you have noticed a recent curvature or changes in the shape of your penis, do not let the condition progress without a diagnosis.
At Andrología Málaga, Dr. Rodrigo España and his team of specialists in Peyronie’s disease provide a personalized and confidential assessment.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.