Peyronie’s disease is a condition where the penis is bent. The curved penis might not be an ideal situation for sexual encounters. In this blog, we will talk in detail about the condition while mentioning its symptoms, causes, treatment strategies, and more.
Understanding Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie’s disease is a condition characterised by the formation of scar tissue in the penis. These scarred areas lead to a curve while erections happen, which further causes pain or difficulty in sexual intercourse. Some people may not have curved erections but only an indentation, which results in an hourglass appearance.
Peyronie’s disease can be divided into multiple stages depending on symptoms and changes. The Peyronie’s disease stages can be divided into –
Acute Phase or Early stage – This is stage one of the condition, which may last for 6 to 18 months. During this stage, the person may notice some pain in the penis, especially during erection. One may also notice a lump-like mass in the penis, and some may also witness a curved penis.
Chronic Phase – After the Early stage, comes the chronic phase or later stage. The chronic phase has no time limit, and the pain comes on and off during this stage. The curve, however, becomes more prominent and does not seem to change. Erectile dysfunction also becomes more prominent at this stage.
Stable Phase – Some men may enter a Stable condition where the penile curvature remains as it is for an extended period. This stage is characterised by almost minimal pain and progression of the disease.
Improvement Phase – A few men may also see improvement in the condition. The improvement is most likely to happen in the early stage of the disease.
Progression Phase – In a few men, Peyronie’s disease may progress and cause an increase in curvature and deformity. The worsening of symptoms usually occurs gradually.
Every man may not necessarily go through all the stages. Your doctor will do a thorough assessment and suggest a suitable Pyeronie’s disease treatment plan.
Prevalence of Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie’s disease is quite a common condition in men. It roughly affects 3 to 9% of men and might be more common in older men. The highest prevalence is reported in men between 40 to 70 years, however, it may occur at any age.
Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms
Peyronie’s disease is characterised by scar pr plaque formation in the penis. The plaques may lead to a variety of symptoms in men given below –
Penile curvature – One of the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease is curved penis. The penis bends or exhibits a curve when erect, which may even worsen with time.
Pain – Peyronie’s disease leads to curvature, which may hurt more during an erection. The pain may be mild or even sharp, which may trouble men on a day-to-day basis.
Erectile dysfunction – Peyronie’s disease can cause difficulties in keeping a penis erect for sexual intercourse. It may be the reason behind erectile dysfunction that may cause other problems in men’s lives. Plaque formation may hinder erection, and the severity may differ from person to person.
Short penis – Peyronie’s disease may go on to shorten the penis length. Scarring or curvature may be the reason behind the change in the penis’s length.
Deformity – The disease may cause different deformities in the penis like indentation or narrowing of the penis due to plaque formed.
Sexual difficulties – The curvature and pain may make sexual intercourse difficult and painful. The inability to be intimate may further impact various aspects of a relationship and might cause more conflicts.
Stress – The physical issues of Peyronie’s disease may go on to have psychological repercussions on the affected person. The inability to perform or the deformity is bound to stress the affected person.
The feelings of stress may slip into depression or other mental health issues, which may need special care.
It is important to be aware of Peyronie’s disease symptoms to seek medical attention and avail timely Peyronie’s disease treatment.
Causes of Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease may happen due to a variety of reasons in men. The most common of those are given below –
Trauma – One of the most prevalent causes of Peyronie’s disease is trauma or injury to the penis. The trauma may occur during sexual activity, sports, or other physical activity that may put a strain on the penis. Any microscopic injury to the penis may cause scar formation over an extended period.
Genetics – It is suggested that genetics may play a role in the development of Peyronie’s disease. Anyone with a family history of Peyronie’s disease is more likely to develop the disease, which hints at a genetic predisposition to the condition.
Connective Tissue Disorder – Peyronie’s disease may happen in men with connective tissue disorders. Abnormal collagen mechanism may cause Peyronie’s disease in men.
Age – Peyronie’s disease is more common in men over the age of 40. Age-related issues like changes in collagen and elastin in penile tissue may contribute to plaque formation and Peyronie’s disease.
Inflammation – Chronic inflammation in penile tissues may also lead to Peyronie’s disease. The inflammation may happen due to infections or autoimmune disorders.
Hormonal imbalance – Hormonal imbalances, mainly testosterone, may also play a role in the development of Peyronie’s disease.
What are The Risk factors of Peyronie’s Disease?
There are certain known risk factors for the condition. A few health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol may increase the risk of Peyronie’s disease.
Smoking is also a significant risk factor for Peyronies’s disease as it can cause inflammation of blood vessels, which further contributes to plaque formation in the penis.
Moreover, men who have undergone prostate surgery are also at an increased risk of Peyronie’s disease. Some medications like antidepressants are also seen to increase the risk of developing Peyronie’s disease.
It is also suggested that certain sexual practices or frequency of sexual intercourse may increase the risk of Peyronie’s disease.
Peyronie’s Disease and Relationships
Pyeronbies disease can have a significant impact on the sexual health of affected men. The condition may affect sexual intimacy in a couple which further can cause emotional and psychological issues in affected people.
Peyronie’s disease can cause anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in affected men. Men may experience dissatisfaction with their body’s appearance and image, which further impacts their confidence.
The condition may also cause strain in a relationship due to decreased or lack of sexual activity. If the couple does not communicate well, it may influence their overall relationship.
The relationships witness a great dip in sexual intimacy due to the curvature and pain felt by men due to an erection. Erectile dysfunction may also happen, which could bring in erectile dysfunction.
Couples need to understand the condition and get the required medical advice. If needed, couples should go for couple counselling and find ways to lead their relationship.
Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosis
A healthcare provider diagnoses the condition utilising various techniques and technology.
Firstly, your doctor will take a detailed history of the condition, along with symptoms. The doctor may also ask you about your medical and sexual history to understand the cause and degree of the impact caused by the condition.
The doctor then may do a physical examination to assess the extent of penile curvature and confirm the presence of plaque in the penis.
Various imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI can be done to confirm the presence of plaque and assess the degree of penile curvature.
All these techniques are utilised to diagnose the condition and rule out other conditions.
Peyronie’s Disease Treatment
The treatment of the condition may vary according to your specific symptoms. Peyronie’s isease treatment modalities include –
Medication – Oral pills can be administered to help in the breakdown of the plaque in the penis. Topical medicines can also be prescribed that can work on reducing pain and reducing inflammation.
Injections- Injections can be used to administer the drug directly in the penis which can reduce the size of the plaque and improve related symptoms.
Penile Traction Devices – These devices are used to help in gentle stretching of the penis to reduce the extent of curved penis over some time.
Shockwave Therapy – Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure that utilises acoustic waves externally on the penis. A wand is used to dissipate the waves that can help in breaking down the plaque and ultimately improves blood flow to the penis.
Pills, injections, penile traction devices, and shockwave therapy serve as non-surgical treatment for Pyeronie’s disease.
Surgery – Penile plication can be used to remove or adjust some tissue on the opposite side of plaque that can reduce the curvature of the penis. There are various options for Pyeronie’s disease surgery that can restore the function of the organ.
A grafting procedure can be used to replace unhealthy tissue in cases where the disease causes deformity or penile shortening. More options inlude a penile implant which can be placed in severe cases that can restore sexual functioning in men.
Psychological support – Counselling and therapy can be suggested to men where the condition causes emotional damage. Men may feel less of themselves, and psychological aid can help them learn various ways to cope with the situation.
Lifestyle changes – If you wonder how to treat Pyeronie’s disease at home, a few alterations to the lifestyle can help in managing the condition. These adjustments may not necessarily treat the condition but can help in management of teh issue.
Quitting Smoking – Quitting smoking, therefore, can improve blood flow and support overall penile health. Other than maintaining a healthy weight having a balanced diet and regular physical activity is the best solution to many issues including Peyronies’s disease.Â
It may improve blood flow and reduce inflammation which can act in favor of the health. Additionally, learning different ways to reduce stress can also aid in maintaining good health.
Moreover, there is so much more research happening in the field to help in better understanding the causes of the condition. The role of genetics and inflammation is being closely studied to invent newer technologies to treat the condition.
Raising awareness about the condition is of the utmost importance to help recognise the symptoms and take required medical attention. Reducing stigma around the topic can help men freely talk about the condition and get the required emotional support.
Bottom Line
Peyronie’s disease is a common condition that can severely impact the quality of life due to a curved penis. It may happen due to various reasons, and it can greatly impact sexual health. Erectile dysfunction Pyeronie disease can ruin relationships.Â
It is important to seek medical attention and get the condition diagnosed and treated. Understanding the symptoms may help you take the first step in the direction of getting better. The condition is treatable and it is possible to live a satisfying life yet again.
FAQs about Peyronie’s Disease:
1. How can I cure Peyronie’s disease?
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed “cure” for Peyronie’s disease. However, there are effective treatment options available to manage symptoms and improve curvature. These options vary depending on the severity and stage of your condition. Your doctor will recommend the best course of action for you.
2. Can Peyronie’s disease be cured without surgery?
Yes, in many cases! Nonsurgical treatments are often preferred during the early stages of the disease. These might include oral medications, injections into the penis, traction therapy using specialized devices, or shockwave therapy.
3. What’s the difference between normal curvature and Peyronie’s disease?
A slight bend in the erect penis is fairly common and usually nothing to worry about. However, Peyronie’s disease causes a more significant curvature, often accompanied by pain or difficulty maintaining an erection. If you’re unsure, consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
4. What does Peyronie’s disease look like?
The most obvious sign is a curved penis during erection. You might also feel lumps or plaques under the skin of the penis. In some cases, the penis may appear shortened or indented.
5. What causes Peyronie’s disease?
The exact cause is unknown, but it’s linked to injury of the penis. Other factors like genetics and age may also play a role.
6. Is Peyronie’s disease permanent?
Not necessarily. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms significantly. However, some men may experience persistent curvature.
7. How long does it take to cure Peyronie’s disease?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Treatment effectiveness and duration vary depending on the individual. It’s important to be patient and follow your doctor’s guidance.
8. What are the treatment options for Peyronie’s disease?
As mentioned earlier, various treatment options exist, including medications, injections, traction therapy, shockwave therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. Your doctor will discuss the best approach for you.