What is Peyronie’s disease?
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.
What are the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease?
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.
Scar tissue
Peyronie’s disease scar tissue, or plaque, forms under the skin of the penis. It’s felt as hard tissue or lumps.
Curved or misshapen penis
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.
Penile pain
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.
Erectile dysfunction
The curvature of the penis and painful erections of Peyronie’s disease combined with anxiety may cause problems getting or maintaining an erection.
How is Peyronie’s disease treated?
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:
- Prescription medication
- Injectable medication
- Penile implants
- Nesbit plication (stitching the unaffected side of the penis)
- Incision and grafting surgery
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.