The plaque may not be felt when the penis is flaccid but is readily demonstrated with erection. It may be bilateral or nearly circumferential, then producing not curvature but shortening. T he condition usually occurs in men 30 to 50 years of age and has been reported in all races. It may present first with pain which seldom lasts longer than six months. The condition usually stabilizes by 12-18 months and occasionally will regress.
Complete disappearance is probably rare.
W hen curvature is marked, the patient may find penetration awkward and difficult and thrusting may cause pain to his partner. When shortening is marked, he may have trouble remaining inside during copulation. T he combination of soft erections and penile distortion is often devastating, and patients can become seriously depressed. The cause of Peyronie's disease is unknown but is associated in some cases with a history of penile trauma, including rough sex. Rarely, the same deformity may occur in the sole.