Krummerik: Treatment and Surgery—Your Real Options
Is your penis curved when erect, does it hurt, or has sexual intercourse become difficult? If so, two questions quickly come to mind: What’s causing this—and is surgery necessary?
Here you’ll find a clear overview of the difference between congenital curvature and Peyronie’s disease, treatment options that don’t involve surgery, when surgery might be the right solution, how much it costs, and what you can expect afterward.
At MS Insight, the process begins with a specialized evaluation and an ultrasound scan. I do not perform surgeries myself and therefore have no interest in which option you choose—only that you make an informed decision and do not do anything you will later regret.
- Specialized assessment of crumb risk
- Shockwave and EMTT Treatment Targeting the Cause and Function
- Realistic expectations from the start
Facts About Krummerik
- What is it: A penis that bends or curves noticeably during an erection. When flaccid, it usually looks normal.
- How common: Congenital curvature affects less than 1% of men. Peyronie’s disease affects up to 10% of men, typically between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Two causes: Congenital (stable throughout life) or acquired through Peyronie’s disease (occurs later in life, progresses over time).
Non-surgical treatment: Focused shockwave therapy, EMTT, traction, and vacuum therapy may be appropriate—especially in the early stages. - Surgery: Recommended for cases of stable curvature exceeding approximately 60 degrees that makes sexual intercourse difficult or impossible. Corrects the curvature but shortens the penis.
- Most importantly: Timing. With Peyronie’s disease, the treatment window is widest within the first approximately 15 months and as close as possible to the onset of the first symptom.
Expert in shockwave therapy for Peyronie's disease and international speaker.
Congenital crumbling or Peyronie’s disease?
The most important point to clarify is whether the curvature has always been there or whether it developed later. This determines everything that follows:
| Congenital Curvature | Peyronie’s disease | |
|---|---|---|
| Appeared | Became apparent during puberty | Later in life, typically between the ages of 40 and 60 |
| Development | Stable throughout life | Growth over 1–18 months |
| Pain | No | Often during the active phase of an erection |
| Plaque/lump | No | Yes – scar tissue in various places on the penis |
| Other signs | Primary curvature | Constriction, hourglass shape, shortening |
| Non-invasive treatment | Limited, but possible | High effectiveness with early intervention |
| Surgery | In cases of severe functional impairment | In the case of stable, significant curvature |
If the curvature is new or getting worse, it points to Peyronie’s disease —and in that case, there are treatment options available before you even need to consider surgery, with its potential side effects.
Krummerik in 2026: What You Should Know Before Choosing a Treatment
In the video, I go over the most important things men typically aren’t told before they make their decision—and why timing matters more than the choice of method itself.
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Specialized treatment of crumbling without side effects
As a specialist in penile curvature (bend), I offer targeted treatment that addresses the root cause of the problem. Based on thousands of treatment cases, I combine advanced diagnostics with various forms of focused shockwave therapy to correct the curvature and eliminate pain—all without surgery. Every week, I help men achieve reduced curvature and improved sexual function.
- Diagnosis of penile curvature
The first step is to understand your curvature. We review your medical history and perform an advanced ultrasound scan of the penis. This allows me to pinpoint the exact area of scar tissue (plaque) or structure that is causing the curvature and to assess blood flow. This ensures that we treat the condition precisely where the curvature begins. - Plan against the bias
No two crumb is the same. Based on the scan, I choose the shockwave technology that can best break down your specific type of tissue. We create a plan that takes into account both the physical changes and your lifestyle to ensure the best result. - Treatment of the tissue
A typical course of treatment for erectile dysfunction consists of 8-15 sessions. We treat 1-2 times a week with a combination of focused shockwave and EMTT. The purpose is to soften the hard tissue so that the penis can give in and straighten out again. At the same time, you work with exercises at home. Many people notice the first improvements after 4-6 weeks. - Follow-up & Results
Correcting a curved penis takes time, as the tissue needs to heal and adapt. Even after treatment ends, the body continues to work on it for up to 9 months. I’ll monitor you closely during the first year with regular follow-ups and new scans, if you’d like, to ensure that you fully achieve your goal of a better sex life.
If the curvature is stable and severe enough to make sexual intercourse difficult, surgery may be the right course of action. I’ll discuss this honestly below—even though I don’t perform the procedure myself.
I will get back to you within 12-24 hours.
Surgical Procedures: How a Crummerik Surgery Is Performed
During the surgery, an artificial erection is created by filling the corpus cavernosum with saline solution so that the surgeon can precisely identify the point of greatest curvature. The method used then depends on the degree of curvature and your erectile function:
Pleating (contrast stitching)
The standard method for most curvatures. The surgeon makes an incision and places strong sutures in the connective tissue membrane on the opposite side of the curvature, so that the pull is balanced and the penis is straightened. The skin sutures are absorbable, while the internal sutures used in several departments are permanent and may be felt as small knots under the skin. The surgery takes about 1 hour and is typically performed as outpatient surgery—under local anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia, depending on the department.
Important to understand: The plaque is not removed—the curvature is corrected by shortening the healthy side. As a result, the penis loses length.
Graft (tissue implantation)
In cases of very pronounced curvatures or an hourglass deformity, the surgeon may instead make an incision in the scar tissue itself and insert a piece of replacement tissue. This method preserves more length but carries a higher risk of subsequent erectile dysfunction and is therefore typically used only in cases of good erectile function and complex deformities.
Penile Prosthesis
If there are also severe erectile problems that do not respond to other treatments, a penile prosthesis may be the solution to both issues—the prosthesis corrects the curvature and restores erectile function. This is the most invasive option and is irreversible.
The surgery does not improve the ability to achieve an erection (except in the case of a prosthesis)—it corrects the shape so that sexual intercourse becomes possible again.
Side Effects and Risks of Crumb-Rich Surgery
Here’s what you need to know before making a decision—these figures come from the Danish hospitals’ own patient guides:
- Penis shortening—safely. Circumcision shortens the healthy side; typically by about 1–2 cm, and more in cases of severe curvature. For some men, it’s a minor issue; for others, it severely affects their self-image.
- There is no guarantee of a perfectly straight result. The hospitals themselves put it this way: The goal is a functional result, not a perfect one. 50–75% achieve a satisfactory correction—conversely, 25–50% do not, and in some cases, a new curvature of the penis develops, requiring reoperation.
- Infection and hematoma: approximately 3–4% risk.
- Lumps under the skin: The permanent sutures can be felt—in some cases causing prolonged tenderness, and scar tissue formation on the penis can, in rare cases, become chronic.
- Reduced sensitivity: Sensitivity in the skin and glans of the penis may be reduced for up to 6 months after surgery—in some cases, permanently. (Shockwave therapy may help in these cases.)
- Erectile dysfunction: The procedure may affect blood flow and nerves, particularly with the graft method.
- Reoperation: The correction may fail or a new misalignment may develop, making another operation necessary—the hospitals themselves explicitly mention this risk.
Since Peyronie’s disease is a degenerative condition, new changes may occur after surgery that could cause the penis to become curved again.
Over the years, I have treated more than 50 men at the clinic following a penile shortening surgery. A large number of them came to me because the results did not live up to what they had been promised—increased pain, greater shortening than expected, or new erectile problems.
The recurring pattern: They did not feel fully informed before the procedure. That is exactly why this page exists.
The Process: Before, During, and After Surgery
- Referral and Preliminary Examination: In the public healthcare system, surgery requires a referral from your primary care physician to the urology department. A practical tip from the urologists themselves: Bring photos of your erect penis taken from two angles—this illustrates the extent of the problem better than any description. Wait times vary; your condition must be stable before you are offered surgery.
- Preparation: If you are taking blood-thinning medication, discuss with your doctor whether you should take a break from it. Remove the hair at the base of the penis at home using a trimmer or electric razor—never a disposable razor, as cuts in the skin increase the risk of infection and could prevent you from having the surgery.
- The procedure itself: About 1 hour; typically performed as outpatient surgery. Local anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia, depending on the department.
- The first few days: The foam rubber bandage is removed the next day; after that, only a small band-aid is needed. Discoloration and swelling are normal and will fade like a bruise over the course of 1–6 weeks. Wear tight-fitting underwear with the penis resting against your abdomen—this helps reduce swelling and pain. Take acetaminophen at night for the first 2–3 weeks; nighttime erections may be painful, but they do not harm the wound. Showering is fine the day after the procedure; baths and swimming pools are not recommended for the first 10–14 days.
- Activity and Work: Rest for the first 24 hours. Avoid strenuous physical work for 1 week and sports, cycling, and heavy lifting for 14 days. Sick leave is rarely necessary for office work—for physical work, it’s typically 2–7 days.
- Abstain from sexual activity for about 6 weeks —the stitches must heal completely before the penis is subjected to any strain.
- Follow-up: This varies by department—some conclude treatment without a follow-up, while others schedule a follow-up after 4–6 months. If you are dissatisfied with the results of the follow-up, please bring a new image of the curvature.
How much does a crumb-rich operation cost?
- Public hospital: Free with a referral from your primary care physician—subject to wait times and the admission criteria set by the department.
- Private hospital: A consultation with a urologist typically costs about 1,400–1,500 DKK; the surgery itself costs approximately 22,000 DKK under local anesthesia and approximately 27,000 DKK under general anesthesia (estimated prices from Danish private hospitals).
Note: The cost of making the wrong choice is greater than the cost of the procedure itself. Therefore, a thorough assessment before making a decision is the least expensive part of the entire process.
Before You Make a Decision: 7 Questions You Should Clarify
- Is the curvature congenital or acquired (Peyronie’s disease)?
- Has the curvature remained stable for at least 12 months?
- How severe is the curvature, measured in degrees—and does it actually prevent sexual intercourse?
- How is your erectile function? (Determines the choice between plication, graft, or prosthesis)
- Is there plaque, calcification, or an hourglass deformity? (An ultrasound scan is required to determine this precisely)
- What are your expectations regarding length and appearance after the procedure—and are they realistic?
- Have non-invasive options been evaluated or ruled out based on the information provided?
Most of the answers require an ultrasound scan of plaque, tissue, and blood flow. What feels like a single hard lump may turn out to be multiple areas of plaque or tight connective tissue—and that changes both the prognosis and the choice of treatment method. You can have that scan done at my office before you speak with the surgeon.
Already had surgery? Rehabilitation after knee surgery
If you’ve had surgery and are experiencing pain, stiffness, shortening, or a weaker erection, you’re not alone—and there’s often something that can be done. Using shockwave therapy, EMTT, and targeted stretching and traction protocols, I work to improve tissue elasticity, reduce soreness, and restore function after surgery.
My experience with more than 50 men who have undergone surgery: The greatest improvements are seen when rehabilitation begins early. Call 41 40 08 58 to find out if your case is a good fit.
Frequently asked questions about crumbling
Are crumbs always Peyronies?
No, it isn’t. A curved penis can be congenital or due to Peyronie’s disease. New or increasing curvature should be assessed, especially if pain or plaque is also present.
Should crumbling always be treated?
The answer is no. If the curvature is stable and does not affect sex or cause pain, treatment is not necessarily relevant.
Can crumbling be treated with shockwave?
If curvature is due to Peyronie’s, focused shockwave may be relevant in selected men. The treatment targets pain and plaque-related changes and recent studies have reported improvement of curvature in some patients.
Can the treatment make the penis completely straight?
It can’t be promised. Some men may experience an improvement in curvature, while others primarily experience pain relief or changes in plaque and function. Expectations should be assessed individually.
Can plaque on crumbs be reduced?
In Peyronie’s, studies have reported plaque reduction or softening in some patients after shockwave therapy. It is not possible to promise that plaque will disappear.
Can ultrasound be used for crumbling?
Ultrasound may be relevant if Peyronies, plaque or calcification is suspected. The scan is used as part of the overall assessment.
When should surgery be considered?
Surgery may be relevant for stable and significantly function-limiting curvature, especially if intercourse is very difficult or impossible.
Will the penis become shorter after the surgery?
Yes, by plication, for sure. The curvature is corrected by shortening the healthy side, typically by up to about 1 cm, and by more in cases of severe curvature. The graft method preserves more length but increases the risk of re-curvature.
Will the penis be completely straight after the surgery?
This cannot be guaranteed. The hospitals themselves state that the goal is a functional outcome—not a perfect one. 50–75% of patients achieve satisfactory correction, and in some cases, a new misalignment develops that requires reoperation.
How long should you wait before having sex after surgery?
About 6 weeks is the general rule in most departments, and treatment continues until the tenderness subsides. Getting up at night during this time is natural and does not harm the wound—you may want to take acetaminophen at night during the first few weeks.
Get a no-obligation consultation about crumb treatment today
If you are interested in hearing more about how we can help you, you are always welcome to contact us by phone: 41 40 08 58 or email: michael@msinsight.dk. Otherwise, you can fill out the contact form with your details and a brief description of your problem. I’ll get back to you quickly with a customized proposal for a solution so we can find the best way forward together.