Peyronie's disease doesn't get as much mainstream media attention as erectile dysfunction. But it affects about 4% of men 40-70 years old. Unfortunately, these numbers could be much higher because many men may feel embarrassed by their symptoms and don't seek medical attention.

Our experienced team at Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina in Wilmington, North Carolina, offers discreet and compassionate care for a wide range of sensitive men's health issues, including Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction.

Here are the most common signs of Peyronie's disease and why you shouldn't put off making an appointment.

A bent or curved penis

Peyronie's disease develops when you have fibrous scar tissue that forms under the skin of your penis. 

Segments of this tissue, called plaques, can form anywhere, but 70% of cases occur on the top of the penis. Plaques make your penile tissue less flexible, causing it to bend or curve, especially when you have an erection.

It's also possible to have more than one plaque if you have Peyronie's disease, leading to more extreme or complex curves.

Lumps in the penis

Plaques are not cancerous, but they can cause hard, flat lumps or bands of tissue. The exact cause of this isn't known, but repeated injuries to the penis could play a role. Other factors include:

• Aging
• A family history of the condition
• Smoking 
• Certain health conditions and connective tissue disorders
• Some types of prostate surgery

The scar tissue can develop slowly or suddenly, and you can often feel it underneath the skin of your penis.

Narrowing of the penis

Each side of your penis has a spongy tube called a corpus cavernosum. These tubes are wrapped in sheaths of elastic tissue and contain tiny blood vessels so they can expand, straighten and stiffen when you become sexually aroused.

Sometimes, you can develop plaques that encircle your penis, instead of forming on one side. When this occurs, the shaft of your penis can appear to have a waist or hourglass shape because of the inflexibility of Peyronie's scar tissue.

In severe cases of Peyronie's disease, plaque can also collect calcium, creating a very hard or bone-like texture.

Pain or erectile dysfunction

Because of the tissue changes that Peyronie's disease causes in your penis, it can lead to intense pain, with or without an erection. It can also create difficulties in getting or maintaining satisfying erections. 

Approximately 75 out of 100 men living with Peyronie's disease experience stress and depression because of their condition, which seriously impacts their overall quality of life. Unfortunately, Peyronie's disease rarely goes away on its own.

If you have any of these symptoms, we can help. Depending on your condition and the extent of your symptoms, we could recommend a variety of therapies, such as:

• Prescription or injectable medication
• Traction therapy
• Surgical treatments, like penile implants, suturing, or grafting 

Remember, early treatment always gives you the best chances of treating a condition. So, if you have signs of Peyronie's disease, don't wait to schedule an appointment.

For more information on Peyronie's disease or to book a visit, call our office at (910) 763-6251 or request a consultation online today.