Understanding Peyronie's Disease (Penile Curvature)
Peyronie's disease is a condition characterized by the formation of fibrous scar tissue, called plaques, inside the penis. This can lead to a significant bend or curve in the erect penis, pain during erections, and in some cases, erectile dysfunction. It's a condition that can cause considerable physical and psychological distress.
What Causes Peyronie's Disease?
The exact cause is not always clear, but it's believed to often result from repeated minor injury to the penis, perhaps during sexual activity or physical activity. However, it can also develop without any obvious trauma. The healing process from these micro-injuries can go awry, leading to disorganized collagen buildup and the formation of a hard plaque.
There are two distinct phases of the disease:
- Acute Phase: This is the early phase where plaques are forming. It is often characterized by pain during erections and changes in the penile curvature. This phase can last from 6 to 18 months.
- Chronic Phase: In this phase, the plaque formation has stabilized. The pain often subsides, but the curvature and any associated erectile dysfunction typically remain.
Diagnosis at Our Clinic
A diagnosis is made through a combination of:
- Medical History: A detailed discussion about your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your sexual function.
- Physical Examination: A specialist can often feel the plaques in the penis, even when it is flaccid.
- Imaging (if necessary): In some cases, a penile ultrasound may be used to get a clear image of the plaque's size and location, especially when planning for surgical treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the phase of the disease and the severity of the symptoms. The goal is to reduce pain, correct the curvature, and restore sexual function.
- Observation: In very mild cases with no pain and minimal curvature, observation may be all that's needed.
- Oral Medications: Certain oral medications may be used, particularly during the acute phase, although their effectiveness can vary.
- Injection Therapy: Injecting medications directly into the plaque can help to break down the scar tissue. This is often an option for men in the chronic phase.
- Surgical Treatment: For men with severe curvature that prevents intercourse, surgery is the most effective option. This can involve procedures to lengthen the shorter side of the penis, shorten the longer side, or, in men with co-existing ED, placing a penile implant.
Restoring Form and Function
Peyronie's disease can be a challenging condition, but effective treatments are available. A consultation with our specialist is the first step toward getting an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
Book a Confidential Consultation