How to know if I am in the acute or chronic phase of Peyronie's disease?

Acute Phase (Inflammatory)

This is the initial and active phase of the disease. It is characterized by progression of symptoms. The most common symptoms at this stage include:

• Penile pain: It is the most common inflammatory symptom. The pain occurs mainly during erection, But it can also be felt with a flaccid penis.
• Worsening of curvature: The deformity continues to increase over the course of weeks or months.
• Changes to the plaque: The palpable lump may appear to be growing or changing in size.
• Noticeable changes in the shape or size of the penis (such as an “hourglass” appearance).

Chronic Phase (Stable)

The disease enters the chronic phase when the inflammatory process stops and the deformity stops evolving. It is defined by complete stabilization of all symptoms and deformities.

It is considered chronic when the patient reports the following for at least, 3 months (ideally 6 months):

• Absence of pain (whether in erection or flaccidity).
• Deformity stability: The curvature, the caliber (narrowing) and the “hourglass” appearance, if present, do not show any deterioration.
• Plate stability: The lump does not increase in size.

It is only after the disease has stabilized (entering the chronic phase) that surgical treatments can be indicated.

Read also the Complete guide on Peyronie's disease.