Peyronie’s disease
A physically and often psychologically overwhelming scarring disorder of the penis, Peyronie’s disease results in penile deformity including curvature, indentation, and erectile dysfunction (ED). It is caused by the formation of scar tissue within the penis from repeated trauma that you might not even notice.
Peyronie’s disease is a treatable penile deformity, which can also cause loss of width and length of the penis. Because it is often associated with erectile dysfunction, men with Peyronie’s disease should be treated by a urologist with extensive knowledge and training in treating both conditions. Peyronie’s typically affects men over the age of 40 but has been seen in much younger patients.
Patients with Peyronie’s disease can have different physical symptoms. The most common finding is a "lump," "plaque" or "hard" area in the non-erect penis. Painful erections are another common finding. Lastly, the penis may be curved. Curvature occurs because of the inability for the rods to expand fully due to the scarring of the erectile tissue.
The natural history of this disease is varied. Typically, a male will have an ache or pain with erections which can last up to one year. Peyronie’s disease is considered to be in its active phase when pain is associated with erections. Penile curvature may occur immediately in the disease process, or later as the scar becomes more mature.
Peyronie’s disease symptoms include:
- A palpable nodule or lump on the penis shaft
- Bend to the erect penis
- Penile pain, including painful erections
- Erectile dysfunction
- Shortening of erect penis
- Indentation or hourglass deformity
If you or a loved one have symptoms of Peyronie’s disease, contact Mission Urology to schedule a consultation at (951) 276-4505.
