A condition in which a hard, painful plaque or lump forms on the erection tissue of the penis. This leads to a curved, often painful erection. Peyronie’s disease causes stress and anxiety for many men, resulting in difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. The disease may heal by itself within a year, preventing plaque from advancing beyond an initial inflammatory phase. If the disease goes on for years, the plaque can become a hard, fibrous tissue and calcium deposits are likely to form.
Symptoms
- Plaque on the top of the shaft, causing the penis to bend upward
- Plaque on the underside, causing the penis to bend downward
- Shortening of the penis
- Pain with or without an erection
Causes
The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is not known, but it is believed that acute or chronic injury to the penis may be a cause. Autoimmune disease can also account for Peyronie’s disease.
Who has a greater risk of developing Peyronie’s disease?
- Men who are involved in strenuous sexual or nonsexual activities
- Men who have a family history of Peyronie’s disease
- Men with autoimmune disorders
- Aging
Treatment
In approximately 13% of cases, Peyronie’s disease goes away on its own without any treatment. A urologist will prescribe the right treatment for you based on your medical history age and overall health. The severities of the disease will also be taken into account.
The goal of treatment is to lessen pain and restore the ability to have satisfactory sexual intercourse. Treatment may include medications, medical therapies, lifestyle changes, and surgery.
If you suspect that you have Peyronie’s disease, you should visit a professional urologist to get an accurate diagnosis of what your symptoms may be. The urologist will analyze your medical history, perform a physical exam, and imaging tests. Dr. Bruder is a board certified urologist that has been over 25 years in practice serving New York City. If you are in need of an expert urologist, contact Dr. Bruder today.