peyronie’s disease : Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Peyronie disease (Penile curvature) is quite a common condition that affects 1 in 10 men. Men who do not treat Peyronie disease may even face worse symptoms like erectile dysfunction. It does not cause any damage to the body other than penis and erection. In some sporadic cases, Peyronie disease goes away without treatments. This blog lists the symptoms, causes, and cures for Peyronie. 

What is Peyronie’s disease?

Peyronie’s disease is a condition where scar tissue called plaque is built under the skin of the penis. These fibrous scar tissues can cause a curved penis, which makes it difficult for intercourse, causing pain and erection problems.

Symptoms of Peyronie’s disease

Penile Curvature

The unusual curve of the penis during an erection is one of the distinguishing features and visible symptoms. This curvature may be upward, downward, or to either side, varying in severity from minor to severe. 

Penile Pain 

Many people who have Peyronie’s disease feel pain during their erections. Depending on where and how much scar tissue there is, this pain can range from slight discomfort to intense throbbing or stabbing sensations. Sexual activity or other activities that result in a penile erection can potentially cause pain.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) 

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that can result from Peyronie’s disease, making it challenging for those who have it to get or keep a solid erection. The usual mechanics of erection can be affected by scar tissue within the penile tissue, which can disrupt tissue expansion and blood flow.

Penile Shortening 

Peyronie’s illness may occasionally result in a shorter or significantly smaller penis, especially while the patient is erect. This happens due to scar tissue growing, which might alter the penile tissues’ natural shape and elasticity.

Emotional Distress

The physical manifestations of Peyronie’s disease, including penile curvature and erectile dysfunction, can affect an individual’s psychological state and self-worth. Changes in sexual function and appearance can cause anxiety, sadness, or relationship stress in many people.

Penile Deformity

In addition to curvature, penile abnormalities caused by Peyronie’s disease might include indentations, constriction, or an hourglass-shaped appearance during an erection. The localized fibrosis and scarring in the penile tissue are the source of these abnormalities.

Causes of Peyronie’s Disease

Trauma or Injury

Penile trauma or injury is often the initial cause of Peyronie’s disease. This may be chronic (repeated microtrauma from specific sexual practices or activities) or acute (during sexual activity or accident). The trauma starts the process of aberrant scar tissue formation by causing localized inflammation and tissue damage.

Genetics 

Some researchers have proven that genetics are connected with Peyronie’s disease. People who are predisposed to aberrant scar tissue or an accelerated healing response after injury may have specific genetic characteristics.

Abnormal Healing Response

In people with Peyronie’s disease, the penis’s repair process may become dysregulated following damage. Excessive deposition of collagen, a kind of protein, at the site of damage prevents normal tissue regeneration. Instead, it results in the creation of fibrous plaques or scar tissue within the penile shaft.

Connective Tissue Disorders

Suppose you are affected by some connective tissue illnesses, such as ailments that impact collagen metabolism or Dupuytren’s contracture. In that case, you have a high chance of developing scar tissue under the penis.

Inflammation in the Penis

The fibrotic (scar-forming) process in the penis begins and is sustained by the production of inflammatory cells and cytokines (chemical messengers) in response to damage or other triggers. 

Age and Hormonal Factors

Men over 40 years of age mostly face Peyronie disease. But now, according to a report, men from 20 have reported more for Peyronie’s disease. Age-related variations in hormone levels or hormonal imbalances may also impact the course of the illness.

Can Peyronie’s disease heal itself?

Peyronie’s disease heals on its own in 13% of the men within 6- 15 months. If you have plaques, the doctor may recommend some medication or injections. If you have a severe condition, you will be advised to go under surgery

Diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease

A sexologist or urology specialist diagnoses Peyronie’s disease. The diagnosis is made by studying the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests like ultrasounds. Penile curvature, plaque placement, size, and erectile function testing are important evaluations of diagnosis.

Treatment options for Peyronie’s disease

Medications

Oral medications like collagenase (Xiaflex), pentoxifylline, or calcium channel blockers may be prescribed to reduce plaque size or symptoms. However, none of these have been proven to work effectively in all men.

Surgery

In severe situations, surgical techniques such as plaque incision/excision, penile implants, or grafting may be explored to rectify curvature and restore function.

Shockwave therapy 

In this process, high-energy shock waves are used to enhance blood flow and disintegrate plaque in the penis. However, this method has shown limited results and is also controversial.

Injections

Some suggest injections. Then, you need to visit a doctor within 1-3 days. They may give collagenase injections directly into plaques, which can break down scar tissue and improve curvature.

Takeaway

Peyronie disease is a non-deadly condition affecting the penis. Consult with a sexologist or urology specialist to find out the cause and get a cure. Leaving Peyronie’s disease non-treated can cause anxiety, stress, penis pain and worse pain during erection.