What is Peyronie’s disease?
Peyronie’s disease involves the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis that results in painful, curved erections. Penises vary in size and shape, and a curved erection isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. Peyronie’s disease causes a prominent bend or pain in the penis that can prevent you from having intercourse and lead to erectile dysfunction.
For many men, Peyronie’s disease is a source of anxiety and stress. Peyronie’s disease can go away on its own but, in most cases, it remains stable or worsens over time.
What are the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease?
The symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include:
- A significant bend of the penis (curved downward, upward, or bent to one side)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Shortening of the penis
- Pain with or without an erection
You might have scar tissue (plaques) that can be felt under the skin of your penis as a hard tissue band or flat lumps.
What causes Peyronie’s disease?
A number of factors might be involved in the development of Peyronie’s disease, such as an inherited trait, connective tissue disorders, aging, smoking, and some types of prostate surgery.
In some instances, penis damage can occur during intercourse, athletic activity, or due to an accident or trauma. Many men don’t recall any trauma and are unsure of the cause.
During the healing process, scar tissue forms improperly. Each side of your penis has a sponge-like tube containing lots of tiny blood vessels and each tube is encased in elastic tissue that stretches with an erection.
When you’re sexually aroused, blood flow to these chambers increases and as the chambers fill with blood, the penis expands, straightens, and stiffens, forming an erection. With Peyronie’s disease, when the penis becomes erect, the scar tissue doesn’t stretch and the penis bends and can become disfigured and painful.
What are the treatments for Peyronie’s disease?
To treat your Peyronie’s disease, our team at San Jose Urology Partners might recommend medications, such as oral medications or injections to reduce scar tissue and pain. We offer the effective FDA-approved Xiaflex® medication to break down the buildup of collagen that causes penile curvature.
Injections can be administered with a local anesthetic to prevent pain. A treatment course of Xiaflex involves up to four treatment cycles around six weeks apart. Our team might recommend a combination of oral medications, penile injections, and penile modeling therapy at home. Penile modeling therapy involves gentle manual stretching and straightening activities when your penis is not erect to help reduce curvature and straighten the penile shaft.
If you’re dealing with Peyronie’s disease and have concerns about your reproductive health, call San Jose Urology Partners or schedule online today.
