Peyronie’s disease, also known as “penile curvature,” is a non-cancerous condition characterized by the buildup of scar tissue in the penis, leading to significant bending and pain during an erection. This condition is thought to be a result of injuries to the penis from various activities such as sexual or athletic endeavors or accidents.
What is Peyronie’s disease, or penile curvature
While not all minor injuries to the penis result in Peyronnie’s, factors such as age, hereditary, and men with connective tissue disorders, can increase the risk of developing the disease.
Studies suggest that approximately 9% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 experience Peyronie’s disease, although the actual prevalence may be higher due to potential embarrassment and reluctance to report symptoms to a doctor.
The disease can also contribute to erectile dysfunction, although some men report experiencing the effects of ED before noticing Peyronie’s symptoms. Common symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include excess scar tissue leading to a significant bend in the penis, penile shortening, penile pain, erectile dysfunction, and deformities in penile shape.
Peyronie’s disease rarely resolves on its own, often persisting or worsening without treatment. Regardless of the duration of symptoms, seeking treatment can alleviate discomfort, correct curvature, and improve penile shortening.
Treatment for Peyronie’s disease
Treatment recommendations are based on a patient’s history, considering factors such as the duration of symptoms (less than six months or more than six months) and the presence or absence of erectile dysfunction. Urologists typically advocate a stepwise approach to treatment, starting with watchful observation and oral medications, followed by potential interventions such as injection therapy, penile traction therapy, or surgical correction.
It’s important to note that Peyronie’s disease doesn’t need to cause undue stress and anxiety, as effective treatments are available to address its symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncolo gy and prostate cancer 911.