FDA Approves Drug for 'Bent Penis': Peyronies Disease Cause Unknown

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a new drug to treat what's medically referred to as Peyronies disease, or a crooked penis.

Often characterized by a lump in the organ, this results in an uncomfortable curvature of at least 30 degrees upon erection, according to an FDA news release.

"We joke around about it, but to someone in a relationship or attempting to be in a relationship who can't perform sexually, this is a completely life-altering problem," said Ryan Berglund, a Cleveland Clinic urologist, via the Washington Post. "You think about it all the time."

The lump is caused by buildup scar tissue that forms under the skin and can make intercourse difficult and even painful. Fortunately, the new drug, known as Xiaflex, can help men suffering from the condition without needing surgical treatment. Some believe the cause for the builtup tissue may be due to trauma during vigorous sex. However, they are uncertain at this time. 

The drug was tested through two randomized double-blind, placebo controlled studies that involved 832 men with Peyronies disease and penile curvature of up to 30 degrees.

Researchers administered the treatment course to participants and monitored their progress for an additional 52 weeks. Their findings showed that the drug significantly reduced the effects of the physical effects of the problem associated with disease compared to those that received the placebo.

In 2010 Xiaflex was first approved for the treatment of Dupuytrens contracture, which affects the ability to straighten fingers. The drug is an enzyme derived from a bacterium.