If you’re experiencing painful erections with a curved penis, you may have Peyronie’s disease. While men may find it embarrassing to talk about, if Peyronie’s disease causes performance anxiety in the bedroom along with discomfort, you may need treatment. The doctors at Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Southport, North Carolina, offer discreet and compassionate care. To learn more about treatment options for Peyronie’s disease, use the online tool or call the practice to schedule an appointment today.
Peyronie’s disease is when the inside of your penis develops fibrous scar tissue and you experience curved, painful erections. It may become difficult to get or maintain an erection, or the stress and anxiety associated with Peyronie’s disease may prevent you from wanting to have sex. While Peyronie’s disease sometimes goes away without treatment, most people benefit from treatment if the pain or penis curvature is severe enough to prevent intercourse.
The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is unknown but it’s believed to be a result of repeated injury or trauma to the penis experienced during sex, accidents, or athletic activities. As the penis heals from injury, the scar tissue forms to create the curvature.
The symptoms of Peyronie’s disease appear suddenly or develop over time, with the most common symptoms including scar tissue, curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction.
Peyronie’s disease scar tissue, or plaque, forms under the skin of the penis. It’s felt as hard tissue or lumps.
Peyronie’s disease causes the penis to curve up, down, or to the side. There may be a noticeable narrowing, hourglass shape, or indentation when the penis is erect. The bend of the penis may also contribute to a shorter penis. The curvature can worsen over time although it stabilizes for most men.
Peyronie’s disease is associated with pain in the penis, with or without erections. While pain during erections typically goes away within two years, the scar tissue and curvature of the penis remain.
The curvature of the penis and painful erections of Peyronie’s disease combined with anxiety may cause problems getting or maintaining an erection.
In some cases, you may not require treatment. Your doctor might recommend keeping an eye on symptoms and waiting to see if you can get and maintain erections with little to no pain and the curvature of your penis isn’t severe or worsening. If your symptoms are severe or getting worse, your doctor may recommend Peyronie’s disease treatment, including:
Your doctor determines the best course of treatment for the severity of your symptoms and discusses potential side effects of each option before treatment. To learn how Peyronie’s disease treatments can offer relief of your symptoms, call the practice or schedule an appointment online.