Peyronie’s disease

Description

Peyronie’s disease is a disease condition characterized by the appearance of fibrous connective tissue inside the penis, which causes it to curve during of the erection.

The shape and size of the penis is different for every man. When erectile dysfunction is common, this is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, in some people the disease causes significant distortion and pain.

This can make it difficult for the affected man to have sex, or he may have difficulty getting and maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction). For many men, the disease causes stress and anxiety.

In a small percentage of men, the disease subsides on its own. But in most cases, the fibrous tissue in the penis remains or the amount increases. Treatment is necessary if the distortion is so great that normal intercourse cannot take place.

What are the symptoms?

Clinical manifestations may appear suddenly or develop gradually.

The most common signs and symptoms are:

• Significant curvature of the penis, it may curl up, down or bend to one side. In some cases, an erect penis may appear narrowed, sunken, or hourglass shaped on one side, appearing to be constricted by tissue around the head.

• Appearance of connective tissue plaques on the body of the penis – can be felt under the skin of the penis as flat pieces or bulkier hard tissue;

• Erection problems – the disease state can lead to problems in obtaining or maintaining the penis in an aroused state /erectile dysfunction/;

• Penile shortening – your copulatory organ may become shorter as a result of the medical condition;

• Pain – you may feel a painful sensation in the penis when it is aroused or in a relaxed state.

The distortion caused by the condition can gradually become larger. But in most men it stabilizes at some point.

In most cases, erectile pain resolves within 1-2 years, but the connective tissue and distortion often remain. However, for some men, the distortion and pain associated with the condition resolves on its own.

See your GP if pain and penile curvature prevent you from having sex or cause you anxiety.

What are the causes?

The cause of the disease is not fully understood, but doctors indicate a number of risk factors.

The condition is generally thought to result from repetitive trauma to the penis. For example, the penis can be injured during sex, during sports or as a result of an accident. However, men do not recall any specific injury to the penis.

During the healing of the trauma caused, connective tissue forms chaotically, which can then lead to the formation of a nodule that can be felt to the touch and subsequently form a distortion.

Treatment of Peyronie’s disease

Your doctor may recommend active surveillance if:

• The penile curvature is not large and is not getting worse;
• You still have sex without pain;
• Pain when aroused is quite mild;
• You have a good erectile function;

If the symptoms of the disease condition become more pronounced, then the doctor will prescribe drug therapy or surgery.