Peyronie's disease is
an abnormal curvature of the penis caused by scar tissue in the erectile
tissue. Because the scar tissue prevents straightening of the penis, the
curvature is most obvious during an erection. The curvature may be so severe
that it prevents penetration during intercourse.
Peyronie's disease usually affects men who are 50 and older.
What causes Peyronie's disease?
Although the exact
cause of Peyronie's disease is unknown, some experts believe the scarring is
caused by injury to the penis (such as being bent or hit).
Symptoms of Peyronie's
disease may develop slowly or suddenly. Common symptoms include:
A lump or thickening along the shaft of the
penis that is most noticeable when the penis is soft (flaccid).
A
bent or curved appearance of the penis that is most noticeable when the penis
is erect.
A painful erection. Some men do not have pain with an
erection but have tenderness when the lump along the side of the penis is
touched.
An inability to keep an erection.
An
inability to achieve penetration during intercourse.
What are the stages of Peyronie's disease?
Peyronie's disease is usually divided into two stages:
The active phase. The most common symptoms of
this phase are painful erections and a change in the curvature of the penis.
The secondary phase. Stable curvature may be the only symptom of
this phase. Pain, if present during the active phase, usually gets better or
goes away completely.
How is Peyronie's disease diagnosed?
Peyronie's
disease is usually diagnosed using a medical history and physical exam.
Your doctor will ask you questions about when you first noticed your symptoms
and whether the symptoms were gradual or sudden. This will help determine which
stage of Peyronie's disease you are experiencing.
Because symptoms
of Peyronie's disease are usually most noticeable when the penis is erect, your
doctor may ask you to take a photograph of your penis while it is erect. Other
tests that may be ordered include:
An
X-ray or ultrasound, to produce a picture of the structures within
the penis.
Doppler flow studies, which use sound
waves to monitor blood flow patterns. It is important for your doctor to
find out whether blood flow to the end of your penis is interrupted or
decreased during erection.
How is it treated?
Peyronie's disease rarely gets better on its own. But treatment usually is not
needed unless Peyronie's disease causes pain or interferes with sexual
function.
Most men are able to remain sexually active. Counseling can help couples
maintain an active sexual life.
Although there is no standard
treatment for Peyronie's disease, vitamin E or medicines such as carnitine, colchicine, or verapamil may help treat
pain and reduce curvature during an erection. But the use of medicines has shown only
limited success, and none are well studied for the treatment of Peyronie's
disease.1
Surgery is considered for men
who have severe pain, a severely curved penis, or sexual dysfunction related to
Peyronie's disease. Surgical options include removing the scar tissue or
shortening the unaffected side of the penis (plication). In some cases, use of
a penile prosthesis may be used to help keep an erection during
intercourse.
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors,
and Therapists (AASECT)
1444 I Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Phone:
(202) 449-1099
Fax:
(202) 216-9646
Email:
info@aasect.org
Web Address:
www.aasect.org
The American Association of Sexuality Educators,
Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) is a nonprofit professional organization
that promotes understanding of human sexuality and healthy sexual behavior.
AASECT offers certification of sexual health practitioners. At their website, you can locate a therapist in your area. There is also a tab called "For the public" where you can link to FAQs on human sexuality, find member books and articles, and learn more about the profession.
AUA Foundation: The Official Foundation of the American Urological
Association
1000 Corporate Boulevard
Linthicum, MD 21090
Phone:
1-800-828-7866
Phone:
(410) 689-3700
Fax:
(410) 689-3998
Email:
auafoundation@auafoundation.org
Web Address:
www.urologyhealth.org
UrologyHealth.org is a website written by urologists
for patients. Visitors can find specific topics by using the "search"
option.
The website provides information about adult and
pediatric urologic topics, including kidney, bladder, and prostate conditions.
You can find a urologist, sign up for a free quarterly newsletter, or click on
the Urology A–Z page to find materials about urologic problems.
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information
Clearinghouse
3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3580
Phone:
1-800-891-5390
TDD:
1-866-569-1162
Fax:
(703) 738-4929
Email:
nkudic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Web Address:
www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information
Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) provides information about diseases of the
kidneys and urologic system to people with these problems and to
their families, to health professionals, and to the public. NKUDIC answers
inquiries; develops, reviews, and distributes publications; and works closely
with professional and patient groups and government agencies to
coordinate resources about kidney and urologic diseases.
NKUDIC, a federal agency, is a service of the National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). NIDDK is part
of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services.
Jordan GH, McCammon KA (2012). Peyronie's disease. In AJ Wein et al., eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology, 10th ed., vol. 1, pp. 792–809. Philadelphia: Saunders.
Other Works Consulted
McAninch JW (2008). Disorders of the penis and male
urethra. In EA Tanagho, JW McAninch, eds., Smith's General Urology, 17th ed., pp. 625–637. New York: McGraw-Hill
Medical.
Jordan GH, McCammon KA (2012). Peyronie's disease. In AJ Wein et al., eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology, 10th ed., vol. 1, pp. 792–809. Philadelphia: Saunders.
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