Peyronie’s Disease 101: What It Is and How to Treat It

A slight curvature of the penis is normal with an erection. Extreme curvature of an erect penis may be caused by Peyronie’s disease. While 1% of American men are diagnosed with the condition, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that there are more than 10 times as many men with Peyronie’s.

“Conditions like this often go underdiagnosed, because it can be uncomfortable to discuss with a healthcare provider,” says Dr. Maurizio Buscarini, a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist at Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists, who sees patients in Beaufort and Okatie. “However, it’s important for men to get past the embarrassment and discuss it with their medical team. That discussion is often the first step toward recovery from penile curvature.”

What Is Peyronie’s Disease?

Under the skin of the penis is a layer called the tunica albuginea. This lining plays a key role in erectile function because it helps the penis become firm.

If someone has certain genetic traits or experiences an injury to the penis, it can lead to swelling or scar tissue forming on this layer. When that happens, it can cause a condition called Peyronie’s disease, which may cause the penis to bend in an unusual way.

The condition develops in two stages.

1. Acute — Your penis begins to curve as plaque forms on the tunica albuginea. Scarring develops, making erections painful. You may even have pain when not experiencing an erection.
2. Chronic — Approximately 12 to 18 months after entering the acute phase, you enter the chronic phase, which may produce less penile pain. At this point, your condition may stabilize, though you may develop erectile dysfunction (ED). If you already have ED, it may worsen.

Read More: 10 Low Testosterone Symptoms Every Man Should Know

Am I at Risk?

While any man can develop Peyronie’s disease, certain factors put you at higher risk. These include:

• Age — The likelihood of developing a curve in the penis increases as you get older.
• Family history — “There’s still a lot to learn about the hereditary nature of Peyronie’s,” Dr. Buscarini says. “So far, it seems that if a close family member (brother or father) has Peyronie’s, you may develop the problem as well.”
• Health issues — Your risk rises with connective tissue disorders, such as plantar fasciitis or Dupuytren’s contracture, as well as with lupus and other autoimmune diseases. Additionally, you’re at higher risk if you have both diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Sexual habits — Intense, vigorous sexual activity can result in micro-injuries that develop into Peyronie’s plaque.
• Sports activities — You may experience minor injuries to your penis while playing certain sports, such as baseball or football. These injuries may lead to the development of plaque and Peyronie’s disease.
• Surgery — Undergoing surgical treatment for prostate cancer makes you more likely to experience a curved penis.

Read More: Sexually Transmitted Infections: The Unspoken Truth

Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease

The American Urological Association states that 70% of men with Peyronie’s disease have plaque buildup on the top or dorsal side of the penis. When the damage occurs there, the penis bends upward when erect.

“Generally speaking, the penis will curve toward the direction of the damage,” Dr. Buscarini says. “It’s even possible to have plaque form around the entire penis, which results in a bottlenecking effect.”

Along with a bent or curved penis, symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include:

• Difficulty with sexual intercourse (due to a misshapen penis)
• Painful erections
• Soft erections

Read More: Enlarged Prostate Affects More Than Half of Older Men

Detecting and Treating Peyronie’s

To diagnose Peyronie’s disease, a urologist or men’s health provider will examine the penis, feeling for plaque. If needed, the doctor might inject medicine into your penis to help you get an erection, allowing your healthcare provider to see the curvature of your penis. Additionally, an ultrasound can help them get a better look at the amount of plaque and blood flow in the penis.

Once diagnosed, you’ll discuss potential treatment options, such as:

• Medication — Drugs can help reduce swelling and scarring. Oral options are available, but they’re not proven to provide relief. Injected medications provide a high concentration of medication to the plaque site. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and further reduce inflammation.
• Penile traction therapy — A mechanical device helps stretch or bend the penis to correct excess curving.
• Surgery — If pain and other symptoms persist and affect your quality of life, surgery may help. Surgery can help reduce pain, straighten the penis during an erection and remove plaque.
• Watchful waiting — If your curve is minimal and doesn’t cause pain or sexual dysfunction, treatment may be unnecessary.

“Every case is different,” Dr. Buscarini says. “Once we understand your symptoms and goals, we can help create a treatment plan that helps you find relief and maximize your quality of life.”

Read More: Is a Vasectomy Reversible? Here’s What You Should Know

Straight Facts on Peyronie’s Disease

The most obvious sign of Peyronie’s disease is an abnormally curved penis when erect. Recognizing the problem and seeking care can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.

1. When inflammation or scar tissue builds up inside the penile lining, it can cause the penis to curve in an abnormal way. This can cause pain or sexual difficulties.
2. Diagnosing Peyronie’s disease often requires nothing more than a physical exam. In some cases, additional testing, such as an ultrasound, helps confirm the diagnosis or the extent of damage.
3. A curved penis that doesn’t cause pain or affect sexual function may not require treatment. When treatment is necessary, options include medication, therapy and surgery.

Find a urology provider at Beaufort Memorial.