Is Penile Shortening Part of Natural History of Peyronie's Disease?

We have studied the natural history of Peyronie’s disease with particular reference to erect (functional) penile length. To our knowledge this has so far not been documented.

21 men with stable Peyronie’s deformity were followed up for 6 months when no active treatment was being offered. By inducing an artificial erection objective assessments of penile length and deformity were made on day 1 and at six months.

Measurable shortening in straight penile length was noticed in 6/21 (28.5%) of men (Mean: 0.92 cm), lengthening in 8/21 (38.09%) of men (Mean: 0.81 cm), while no change was noticed in the remaining 7 (33.3%).

Angulation increased (worsened) in 5 (23.8%), decreased (improved) in 11 (52.38%) and showed no change in 5 (23.8%). There was no association between change in angle of deformity and change in penile length.

In Peyronie’s disease, a progressive reduction in penile length is noticed in up to a third of patients with stable disease and this is not necessarily associated with deteriorating angle of deformity.