Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease is curvature of the penis usually due to trauma to the penis. It affects many men and is underdiagnosed because some men are embarrassed to bring this up to their doctor. The curvature usually happens due to sexual injury that bends the penis too much. Many times this is associated with swelling and pain (if you have this, go to the ER immediately). Other times the curvature can occur without any injury. The curvature can be mild or so severe that the penis bends 90 degrees. Peyronie’s disease can cause pain and erectile dysfunction as well.
Symptoms:
- Curvature with or without pain to the penis with erection
Causes:
- Trauma to the penis- usually from sexual injury
- Can also happen without any injury
Evaluation and treatment:
A good history and physical can diagnose the condition and usually on exam a Peyronie’s plaque (a hard spot on the penis) can be felt. Some patients bring pictures in while they are erect, which helps in locating the exact spot of the injury.
We usually don’t treat Peyronie’s curvature until it has been stable (unchanged) for 6 months. Some curvatures resolve on their own, but we don’t want to start a treatment if it is actively worsening.
Treatments:
- Vit E cream
- Xiaflex injections- most popular treatment of injections done in the office
- Surgery with grafts to remove the plaque
- Penile implant- surgery to place an inflatable implant with helps with erections and straightens erections
Sometimes the best treatment is no treatment. If you are able to maintain and achieve penetration during sex without pain, it may be better to live with the condition than cause side effects from treatment. Dr. Shaba can discuss with you what treatment option would work best for you.
For more information please visit: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/peyronies-disease
