All About Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease is an uncomfortable condition characterized by the formation of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis of a man. This scar tissue gradually causes the penis to curve, complicating the process of achieving an erection or engaging in sexual activity.

What Indicate Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease symptoms can vary among individuals. It can either manifest abruptly without any preceding indications or develop progressively. The most prevalent symptoms associated with Peyronie’s disease include:

Scar Tissue Development

As Peyronie’s disease advances, hardened tissue bands and palpable lumps appear beneath your penis’s skin.

Penile Bending and Shortening

Although penises naturally vary in shape and size, and slight curvature isn’t concerning, Peyronie’s disease significantly changes your penis’s appearance. If you have Peyronie’s disease, your penis may curve upward or downward, or even adopt an hourglass shape.

Erection Issues and Pain

Peyronie’s disease is a primary cause of erectile dysfunction. Many men also report experiencing pain, whether or not they have an erection.

What are the Stages of Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease evolves across two distinct stages: acute and chronic.

Acute Phase

The acute phase spans between 6-18 months. During this period, scar tissue and plaques start forming, causing your penis to bend. As more scar tissue develops, pain during erections becomes common.

Chronic Phase

The chronic phase begins when scar tissue formation ceases, preventing your penis from bending further. It’s uncommon to experience pain during an erection in the chronic phase.

How is Peyronie’s Disease Identified?

The team at Skyline Urology offers thorough screening and diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease. In most situations, a physical examination is sufficient to identify the symptoms, as scar tissue and plaques are visible even without an erection.

To gauge the curvature of your penis, your Skyline Urology provider may induce an erection with an injection. They might also perform a dynamic ultrasound to spot calcium buildup and monitor your penis’s blood flow.

How is Peyronie’s Disease Managed?

Peyronie’s disease treatment hinges on the severity of your symptoms. At Skyline Urology, the team offers a variety of treatment alternatives, including oral prescription medications, penile injections such as Xiaflex and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and non-invasive, low-intensity shock wave therapy.

Surgical intervention may be necessary for men experiencing painful erections. However, surgery should be postponed until plaque formation and pain have ceased for a period between 9-12 months.