Peyronie’s disease, also known as penile fibrosis, occurs when scar tissue forms in the penis and turns into hard plaques, most often after an injury from intercourse or sports. These plaques cause the penis to bend or curve and result in painful erections. It’s not particularly common, though recorded cases have been on the rise in recent years, occurring in roughly four percent of males between the ages of 40 and 70.
What Is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s disease is often the result of improper or abnormal healing after a penile injury from sexual intercourse or sports. Other autoimmune or connective tissue disorders, age, and genetics could also have a role in the development of the condition.
The scar tissue caused by Peyronie’s disease disrupts both urinary and seminal functions by restricting the tubes – corpora cavernosa – and the elastic tissue – tunica albugineain – in the penis.
Signs and Symptoms
There are four primary measures to verify Peyronie’s disease in a patient:
- Lumps under the skin of the penis
- Curved, bent or misshapen penis
- Dysfunctional sexual activity
- Painful or weak erections
Peyronie’s also leads to stress and depression in many men. They often feel embarrassed and keep the condition to themselves rather than visiting a doctor. According to Medical News Today, a curved penis may increase a person’s risk of cancer.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the occurrence and severity. A physical examination by a medical professional is the first step to determine if you have the condition.
After the examination and confirmation of the disease, experts often recommend a 12-month observation period without surgery. If the disease doesn’t fade and eventually stabilizes, treatment is pursued. This may include:
Oral drugs, including Vitamin E, potassium amino-benzoate, tamoxifen or carnitine.
Penile injections, including verapamil or interferon (fix the curve) and collagenase (to dissolve scar tissue).
Traction therapy, in which the penis is stretched with a traction device for a set period of time every day.
Surgery to straighten the penis using one of three methods:
- Plication. The surgeon extracts or folds tissue on the opposite side of the curve to shorten the penis from that side too.
- Grafting. The urologist cuts or removes the plaque and fills that space with a graft. The penis size is not affected, but it’s a more invasive procedure.
- Penile implant. For patients with erectile dysfunction there are prosthetic devices that straighten the penis to allow for intercourse.
Talk To Your Doctor
The symptoms and signs of Peyronie’s are scary for most men, but it’s completely possible to control the severity, pain and affects on your sex life. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor right away. There’s no need to be embarrassed! Search online for more information and make an appointment with a professional today.