Peyronie's Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Diagnosis | Max Lab

Peyronie's disease is a connective tissue disorder that causes fibrous plaques to develop in the soft tissues of the penis, specifically in the tunica albuginea, the sheath surrounding the corpora cavernosa. This scar tissue causes pain, abnormal curvature, erectile dysfunction and indentation. It becomes more common with age and will affect between .4 to 20% of men.

What is Peyronie's Disease?

Patients with Peyronie's disease experience a buildup of fibrous tissue, which causes painful and curved erections. Penises vary in shape, size, and curvature, but not all bend means there's an issue. However, men with Peyronie’s can have significant bends or pain in their erection.

For some men, Peyronie's disease can reduce the ability to get or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction). It also causes stress and anxiety. For other patients, Peyronie's also shortens the penis.

Peyronie's disease mostly does go away on its own. In most cases, the condition will remain unchanged or worsen. Early treatment might help keep the condition from increasing in severity or becoming more bothersome. Even if you've had Peyronie's disease for a while, that doesn't mean your symptoms can't be improved with treatment. Treatment could reduce penile shortening, curvature and pain experienced during an erection.

Causes of Peyronie Disease

There are a number of possible causes of Peyronie disease, though the exact cause is unknown in most cases. It is thought to be the result of trauma to the penis, such as from intercourse or injury. This can cause the formation of scar tissue, which can lead to deformity of the penis. Other possible causes include genetic factors, inflammation, and autoimmune conditions.

What are the Symptoms of Peyronie's disease?

The symptoms of peyronie's disease can vary from person to person. The most common symptom is a bent or curved penis during erection. This can cause pain during intercourse. Other symptoms can include:

• A lump or hard area on the shaft of the penis
• Painful erections
• Erectile dysfunction
• Shortening of the penis

It is crucial to consult a doctor if you have any of these symptoms so they can properly diagnose and treat your problem.

What are treatments for Peyronie's Disease?

There are a few different treatment options for Peyronie’s Disease. Some men may not need any treatment at all, as the condition may improve on its own over time. However, for men who do experience pain or difficulty with intercourse due to Peyronie’s Disease, there are a few different treatment options that can be considered.

One option is surgical intervention. This can involve either breaking up the plaque that is causing the curvature of the penis, or making an incision in the tunica albuginea (the layer of tissue surrounding the erectile tissue) to release the tension and allow for straighter erection. Surgery is generally only recommended if other treatments have failed, as it can often lead to loss of sensation in the penis or erectile dysfunction.

Another option is injection of medication into the plaque itself. This medication works to break down the collagen fibers that make up the plaque, hopefully leading to a reduction in size and pain. In some cases, radiation therapy may also be used in an attempt to shrink the plaque.

Lastly, oral medications such as verapamil or pentoxifylline may be prescribed in an effort to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. These medications can often help improve symptoms and may be used in combination with other treatments such as physical therapy or surgery.

How is Peyronie's Disease diagnosed?

Peyronie's disease is most often diagnosed through a physical examination. During the examination, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will also do a physical examination of your penis. In some cases, they may order tests to rule out other conditions.

If you have Peyronie's disease, you may notice a lump or plaque on your penis. The plague is usually located on the top or bottom of the shaft. It can be felt during an erection or when the penis is flaccid. The plague is usually firm and cannot be moved.

In some cases, Peyronie's disease can cause pain during erections. The pain may be mild or severe. It may make it difficult or impossible to engage in sexual activity.

If you have Peyronie's disease, you may notice that your penis curves when it's erect. The curvature may be mild or severe. The curvature may occasionally make it difficult or impossible to engage in sexual activity.

Peyronie's disease can cause emotional distress and relationship problems. If you're concerned about Peyronie's disease, talk to your doctor.

How does one get a diagnosis for Peyronie's Disease?

If you think you might have Peyronie’s disease, see a doctor. He or she will ask about your medical history and symptoms. You will also have a physical exam. The exam may include feeling your penis to check for plaques or deformities.

Your doctor may also order tests, such as:

Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create images of your penis. The images can help your doctor see if you have Peyronie’s disease and how severe it is.

This test uses sound waves to create images of your penis. The images can help your doctor see if you have Peyronie’s disease and how severe it is. Blood tests . These tests can look for genetic conditions that are linked to Peyronie’s disease, such as Dupuytren’s contracture.

These tests can look for genetic conditions that are linked to Peyronie’s disease, such as Dupuytren’s contracture. Penile biopsy . In this procedure, the doctor removes a small piece of tissue from your penis and sends it to a lab for testing. A biopsy can help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as cancer.

Conclusion

Peyronie's disease is a condition that can cause the penis to curve when erect. The exact cause of Peyronie's disease is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by trauma to the penis. Peyronie's disease can be a difficult condition to manage, but there are treatments available that can help improve the symptoms. If you think you may have Peyronie's disease, it is important to see a doctor so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.