Exercises for Peyronie’s Disease (2024)

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a condition that causes an abnormal curvature of the penis. The curvature can be associated with pain in the penis. It can also be the cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). Peyronie's disease exercises are sometimes used as an at-home treatment.

There's little evidence that these exercises are completely effective, and they can cause problems if done incorrectly. However, if you work with your healthcare provider, you may be able to use these exercises successfully and reduce the curvature of your penis.

There are more invasive ways to treat PD including injections that dissolve scar tissue from the penis. PD can also often self-correct. An early diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease is imperative for the most effective treatment.

This article will discuss the efficacy of penis exercises for PD treatment and the specifics of each.

Can Exercises Help a Curved Penis?

Some exercises have been found to help with Peyronie’s disease. Research shows that penile stretching in the form of penile traction therapy (PTT) helps with penile lengthening and corrects curvature in the acute phase of PD. A gentle stretching exercise of the sheath may help break down scar tissue and ease curvature issues as well.

It is absolutely vital that you do the exercises correctly to avoid further damage to the penis. Talk to your doctor or urologist to ensure you are using devices and performing exercises the right way at home.

Massage

Massage could be a way to treat Peyronie’s disease. However, research that supports this as an effective method to treat PD is inconclusive.

Massaging the penis incorrectly can also lead to further damage and worsening of Peyronie’s disease. Talk to your doctor before attempting any massages as a form of treatment for Peyronie’s disease.

Stretching Exercises

Milking, also known as jelqing, is a penis stretching exercise in which the penis is massaged to create micro-tears. Once the healing process of these micro-tears begins, the idea is that the penis can appear longer and thicker.

Some research has shown that stretching exercises may offer some help in correcting the curvature of your penis. However, the studies have been small and more research is needed to determine if stretching exercises are truly safe or effective.

Generally, it is recommended to err on the side of caution and skip this technique until there is more conclusive research.

Penile Traction Therapy (PTT)

Penile traction therapy (PTT) is an exercise that requires wearing a device on the penis. It is intended for daily use for a designated period of time. The idea behind PTT is that it can gently apply pressure to help straighten the penis or reduce curvature.

It should be noted that there is limited data available on the efficacy of PTT in treating Peyronie’s disease. It’s unclear whether it helps straighten the penis and reverses curvature. However, a growing body of research points to it as a possible treatment for achieving these goals.

One study showed that penile traction therapy was likely helpful in lengthening the penis. However, this only applies to the acute phase. PTT’s role in the chronic phase of PD remains unclear. It should also be noted that this study looked at PTT when it’s administered before penile prosthesis insertion and after surgical correction of PD.

Vacuum Erection Devices

A vacuum erection device (VED) is another potential treatment option for Peyronie’s disease. Like PTT, there is limited data on its effectiveness, but there is growing evidence that supports it as a viable option.

A VED, also known as a penis pump, is a device in which the penis is placed in a vacuum tube. The VED then will stretch and pull the penis using suction. The device is used for men with erectile dysfunction and can also be used as a treatment for PD.

As far as the research goes, a 2020 study showed that a vacuum erection device can help reduce penis curvature associated with Peyronie’s disease. The study had 53 participants, and 23 of those men did not use a VED.

All 20 of the participants who used VED traction therapy showed a significant improvement in curvature. While the study was small, its findings show that VEDs may be a promising treatment option.

Other Treatment Options

For severe cases of Peyronie’s disease, you may need to look for treatments beyond at-home exercises. Penile modeling is one common option. A procedure performed in your healthcare provider's office, penile modeling involves manually pulling on a flaccid penis to lengthen and straighten it.

Modeling may be done in conjunction with collagenase injections. It can also take place after the surgical implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP).

Collagenase Injections and Penile Modeling

With collagenase injections, a urologist administers injections directly into the plaque if it is palpable during an exam. Studies have shown that this can help alleviate PD when used together with penile modeling in a doctor’s office and at home.

There is a chance that complications may occur. For instance, urethral injury is possible during penile modeling. However, there are ways to avoid this complication, so penile modeling is overall a safe and effective way to treat PD.

Penile Modeling Following IPP Implantation

IPP implantation involves a surgical procedure in which a prosthetic device is inserted inside the penis. This course of action is recommended for people in the chronic stages of PD who have ED as well.

This surgical intervention can correct penile curvature and sexual dysfunction. While it is possible for prosthetic implantation alone to resolve curvature issues, most people will need additional straightening procedures during the operation, such as penile modeling.

Once the IPP is implanted, the doctor will bend the penis in the opposite direction of the curvature. This maneuver can be repeated until they remedy the curvature.

Talk to a Healthcare Provider

While PD can sometimes clear up on its own, many of those who struggle with this condition will require treatment. Everyone who deals with PD will have a unique situation, and it is best to consult your doctor about the treatment that’s best for you.

What phase your Peyronie’s disease is in will also guide what treatments will potentially be most effective in reducing curvature and other symptoms. Exercises have the potential to further harm the penis, so it is best to perform them under the guidance of your healthcare provider.