Peyronie's Disease
Peyronie’s disease is a condition where scar tissues develop along the penis. The condition mostly affects men over 40, although it can happen at any age.
What are the symptoms of Peyronie's disease?
The severity of the condition varies and symptoms may include:
- A thickened or hard area (plaque) on the shaft of the penis
- An unusual curve or bend when erect (a normal erection curves upwards)
- Pain in the penis when erect (pain when flaccid is rare)
- A misshapen penis resembling an hourglass
- Loss of penis length or girth
- Erectile dysfunction
What causes Peyronie's disease?
The cause of the disease is not yet understood. It’s thought that injury to the erect penis, during sex for example, causes scar tissue to form. However, it can develop without an obvious cause. It may also be a hereditary condition.
How is Peyronie’s disease treated?
If you have no pain and the condition doesn’t affect your sexual function, then treatment may not be needed. The condition can improve without treatment and its recommended to wait at least 12 months before considering any surgical options incase the condition does improve naturally.
If surgery is required, your consultant may recommend penile prosthetic surgery. This procedure places implants in your penis, allowing you to achieve an erection if the condition is causing erectile dysfunction. Other surgical treatment options include Nesbit's procedure or Lue procedure, which are types of penile straightening surgery to correct curvature of the erection caused by Peyronie's disease.
Your consultant will discuss all the possible treatments with you.