Effective treatment for Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which scar tissue in the penis causes it to curve, shorten or narrow when erect. A curved penis can be painful, cause intercourse to be challenging, and make it difficult to maintain an erection. It is important to see our North Austin urologists if you notice any symptoms of this condition.
Often, early treatment is more effective. This condition rarely resolves itself and most often worsens over time without treatment. Symptoms can affect a man’s quality of life.
- Scar tissue, called plaque, typically felt under the skin. It may be in just one spot or on two sides of the penis, or may form a band around the penis.
- Curved penis
- Shortening of the penis
- Loss of girth; the penis may have an indention or hourglass shape
- Pain from erection or during intercourse
A small bend in the penis is common and not an indication of Peyronie’s disease.
How do men get this condition?
The exact cause is not known. It is believed that many cases are caused by an injury to the penis during sex. Other cases come from trauma, such as a sports injury or car accident. Up to 80% of men cannot identify an event that caused injury to the penis.
After an injury to the penis, scar tissue can form. This scar tissue doesn’t expand and stretch like other tissue in the penis. When the penis becomes erect, the tight portion of the skin can cause a bend.
Risk factors include family history and age. It is most common between the ages of 45 and 70. Pre-existing medical conditions that increase the risk include prostate cancer, some connective tissue disorders, and certain autoimmune diseases.
The physical, mental and emotional impacts
Peyronie’s disease can be challenging for men and cause complications beyond the pain they feel during erection.
- Difficulty having sex
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fear of rejection
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
In addition to treating the physical impacts of the disease, our North Austin urologists recommend men also address the mental and emotional effects.
- Explain the condition and the impact on sex to your partner.
- Be honest about your feelings and discuss options for intimacy.
- Seek therapy with professionals trained in sex and relationship counseling.
How urologists diagnose Peyronie’s disease
The urologist will begin by taking your medical history and performing a physical exam. For most patients, it is diagnosed by physical exam because the doctor can feel the scar tissue and isolate the problematic areas.
An ultrasound may be ordered to examine the scar tissue, check blood flow, and look for calcium buildup in the penis. Before the ultrasound, the doctor will inject medication to create a temporary erection for improved imaging.
The two phases of the disease
This disease has two phases: acute and chronic.
The acute (active) phase spans from when symptoms begin to when they stop changing. It’s also when a man is more likely to experience pain. It typically lasts six to 12 months.
The chronic (stable) phase begins when the symptoms are not worsening, and the patient’s pain subsides.
The phase determines the treatment options. They include medication, injections, surgery, and other therapies.
Our North Austin urologists are available to answer questions. If you are concerned about symptoms, have a curved penis or think you might have Peyronie’s disease, contact us.