What is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s disease is a condition that affects the penis—the male organ used for urination and sexual activity. In this disorder, scar tissue called plaque forms under the skin of the penis, specifically in the tunica albuginea, which is a thick elastic membrane that helps keep the penis stiff during an erection. As this plaque builds up, it causes the penis to curve or bend, particularly during erections. This curvature can lead to pain and difficulties with sexual intercourse.
How Common is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s disease is relatively common, though it often goes unreported. About 1 in 100 men in the United States over the age of 18 have been officially diagnosed with this condition. However, studies suggest that the actual number might be much higher, with estimates indicating that over 1 in 10 men could have Peyronie’s disease based on their symptoms. The likelihood of developing this condition increases with age, and it is less common among men in their 20s and 30s.
Who is More Likely to Have Peyronie’s Disease?
Certain factors increase the risk of developing Peyronie’s disease:
- Age: The chances increase as men get older.
- Vigorous activities: Engaging in strenuous sexual or non-sexual activities that cause micro-injuries to the penis.
- Connective tissue disorders: Men with certain conditions like Dupuytren’s contracture (a hand condition) or plantar fasciitis (foot pain) are at higher risk.
- Autoimmune diseases: Disorders where the body’s immune system attacks its own cells can also lead to Peyronie’s disease.
- Family history: If a close relative has Peyronie’s disease, your risk is higher.
- Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Men with diabetes-related ED have a significantly higher chance of developing Peyronie’s disease.
- Prostate cancer treatment: Surgery for prostate cancer can increase the risk, particularly if it leads to impotence.
What are the Complications of Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s disease can lead to several complications, including:
- Inability to have sexual intercourse due to severe penile curvature.
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, and concerns about sexual performance or the appearance of the penis.
- Relationship stress: Tension in relationships due to sexual difficulties.
- Fertility issues: Difficulty in fathering a child due to challenges with sexual intercourse.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease?
The signs and symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include:
- Hard lumps: These may form on one or both sides of the penis.
- Pain: This can occur during erections or even without one.
- Penile curvature: A noticeable bend in the penis, particularly during erections.
- Changes in penis shape: The penis may become narrower or shorter.
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): This may occur as the disease progresses.
These symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly. While the pain may decrease over time, the curvature often remains, and sexual difficulties may persist.
What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?
The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is not well understood, but it is believed to result from:
- Injury to the penis: This could be from a sudden impact or from repeated micro-injuries over time. These injuries can lead to bleeding inside the tunica albuginea, and as the injury heals, scar tissue (plaque) forms, leading to curvature.
- Autoimmune disease: In some cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the penis, leading to inflammation and scar tissue formation.
Peyronie’s disease is not contagious and is not caused by any sexually transmitted disease.
How Do Health Care Professionals Diagnose Peyronie’s Disease?
Diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease is usually made by a urologist—a specialist in male urinary and sexual health. The process typically involves:
- Medical and family history: The doctor will ask about when your symptoms began, the presence of pain, erection difficulties, and any family history of the disease.
- Physical exam: The doctor will feel for plaques in the penis. Sometimes, they may need to induce an erection with medication to examine the curvature properly.
Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, may be used to get more detailed information about the plaque.
How Do Health Care Professionals Treat Peyronie’s Disease?
Treatment for Peyronie’s disease aims to reduce pain, correct or improve the curvature, and restore sexual function. Not every man with Peyronie’s disease needs treatment, and in some rare cases, the condition may resolve on its own.
Nonsurgical Treatments for curved penis
- Injections: Medications such as collagenase (Xiaflex) can be injected into the plaque to help break it down, reducing curvature and improving erectile function.
- Oral medicines: Currently, no oral medication has been proven to effectively treat penile curvature.
- Nondrug therapies: Devices like mechanical traction or vacuum devices aim to stretch or bend the penis to reduce curvature.
- Shockwave therapy is another option under study.
Surgical Treatments for curved penis
Surgery may be recommended if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective or if the curvature prevents sexual intercourse. Options include:
- Grafting: Removing the plaque and replacing it with tissue from another part of the body.
- Plication: Shortening the side of the penis opposite the plaque to straighten the penis.
- Penile implants: These can help men with both Peyronie’s disease and ED achieve an erection and may help straighten the penis.
Can I Prevent Peyronie’s Disease?
Currently, there is no known way to prevent Peyronie’s disease. Researchers have not found any specific diet or lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk.
