4 out of 10 men ages 40 to 70 are at risk of Peyronie’s Disease–a condition that has no known cure. There are also occurrences of this condition among men in their 30s. Different treatments may improve Peyronie’s disease and manage the pain that comes with plaques deforming the erect penis.
What is Peyronie’s disease?
Some men are born with penile curvature, a condition that becomes noticeable during puberty. There is another type of penile curvature that develops in men starting from their 30s to 70s.
Fibrous plaques and flat scar tissue can grow under the skin of the penis. These plaques can feel like lumps, can grow, and cause the penis to curve or bend when erect. Peyronie’s disease often grows on the top side of the penis, but can also grow from the sides or the underside of the penis. The curve can be upward or downward. If the growth is on the top and lower sides, this causes the penis to shorten.
The severity of the changes in the form of the erect penis can vary. It can also make sexual intercourse uncomfortable. Further, Peyronie’s Disease can lead to other conditions like Dupuytren’s contracture. In this case, the growth of fibrosis or plaques can lead to problems with the fingers starting to close due to shortened connective tissue of the palm.
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Risk factors of Peyronie’s disease
Penile curvature caused by scar tissue growth can be painful from the early phase. The severity may increase in the chronic phase. It is important to note who is more at risk of developing this condition.
- Age – Peyronie’s disease occurs among middle-aged men and becomes more prevalent as men get older.
- Genetics – Having a close relative with Peyronie’s disease or a family history of this condition can indicate a higher risk of developing the same.
- Erectile dysfunction – Diabetes-associated impotence or sexual dysfunction is up to five times more likely to develop the condition as diabetes affects the fibrotic process. Conversely, Peyronie’s disease can also lead to men developing erectile dysfunction.
- Surgery – In particular, men who had surgery for prostate cancer such as those who had radical prostatectomy are more at risk of developing scar tissue in their erect penis.
- Connective tissue disorders – Scleroderma and plantar fasciitis, among other connective tissue disorders, can result in the development of fibrous tissue in the skin of the penis.
- Autoimmune disorders – Those with lupus and other autoimmune disorders were found more likely to get penile curvature. The immune system may attack cells and tissues in the body, including the tunica albuginea which extends to that which contains the erectile tissue.
Peyronie’s Disease Causes
The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease has eluded researchers to date. Yet in studying the causes of Peyronie’s disease, researchers noted several causes including:
- Physical injuries affecting the erectile tissue inside the penis
- Internal bleeding in the penis can happen during vigorous or intense sexual activity. The bleeding can cause scar tissues to develop.
- Nonsexually-related injuries to the penis that causes penile pain
- Infection of the penis
- Prescribed medications like anti-seizure drugs, blood pressure medications, or beta-blockers
- Inherited collagen abnormality regulating fibrous connective tissue proteins growth
Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms
Most cases of Peyronie’s disease develop dorsal plaques resulting in an erect penis that curves upward. Other signs of this condition are:
- “Bottle-necking” – the penis can start to look like an hourglass as it develops indentations on the sides. In this case, the plaques formed all around the penis.
- Firm lumps – Over time, these lumps can feel very hard like bone. Note that sometimes the lump might not be painful.
- Curves or bend – Scar tissue growth can cause the penis to curve left, right, up, or down.
- Pain or discomfort – Most times, the pain is localized and felt inside the penis. There may also be visible lumps that form where it is painful.
- Painful erections
- Softer erections
Different Stages of Peyronie’s Disease
There are two stages in the known cases of Peyronie’s disease. The actual number of affected men is thought to be higher as many forego diagnosis and treatment. Below are the stages of this condition and its effect on men:
- Acute phase (early stage) – Plaques started developing on the fibrous membrane of the penis. This can cause discomfort and pain when the penis is erect. There is also a noticeable bend or curve in the penis. The early phase can last for 18 months.
- Chronic phase – Plaques have already developed and may not be actively growing. The curve, bend, or indentations are easily identifiable. From the chronic stage, men are most likely to develop erectile dysfunction.
Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosis
No penis when erect is fully symmetrical or straight. It is normal to have some curve in the penis. However, when there are lumps or a noticeable bend in the erect penis, it is worth consulting with a healthcare provider like a urologist to discuss the possibility of developing the condition. Several tests may be necessary such as:
- Physical exam – Measuring the length of the penis, identifying the location and severity of scar tissue growth. Injection to cause erection to help your doctor determine the best treatment according to the degree of the curvature.
- Ultrasound – Sound waves will produce images of the soft tissues and identify penis abnormalities.
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Peyronie’s Disease Treatments
Several methods can decrease the severity of the symptoms of Penile Curvature caused by scar tissue growth. These include:
- Injections – Clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) injected in the scar tissue may weaken it. Other injections for Peyronie’s disease include Verapamil and Interferon which help break down the scar tissue.
- Stretching exercise – may help reduce the bend or curve
- Oral medication- Potassium aminobenzoate, a type of vitamin B is said to help decrease the size of the plaques forming in the penis. Vitamin E is also said to help reduce the severity of the curve by shrinking the plaques.
- A penile traction device – may help reduce the curve by increasing penile width and length. This device is useful in the prevention of penile shortening from surgery.
- Penile prosthesis – helpful with softer erections or no erection at all. This device with a pump may harden and straighten the penis.
- Surgery – In cases of severe penile curvature, your doctor may turn to surgical treatments like plaque incision with vein graft to straighten the penis and improve blood flow. Nesbit plication is another surgical procedure commonly used when oral medications don’t work.
Wrap Up
Peyronie’s Disease is a type of penile curvature caused by plaques or scar tissue growth in the skin of the penis. Hard lumps, erection issues, and a noticeable bend or curve are the signs of developing this condition. Several methods help manage Peyronie’s disease to help prevent more problems like erectile dysfunction and fibrous growth in other parts of the body.
