What is Peyronie’s disease?
Peyronie’s disease is a condition that develops due to the formation of plaques — segments of flat scar tissue — under the skin of the penis. The plaques cause the penis to bend in abnormal ways during an erection.
Peyronie’s disease develops because of abnormalities in how your body heals the wounds caused by minor injuries to your penis, which may occur during rough sex or from a sports injury.
What are Peyronie’s disease symptoms?
Symptoms of Peyronie’s disease may depend on the severity and location of plaques. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Bent or curved penis
- Pain during erections
- Soft erections
- Development of penile lumps
- Sexual dysfunction due to change in penis shape
Peyronie’s disease is split into an acute phase and chronic phase, which also corresponds with the types of symptoms you experience.
Acute phase
The acute phase of Peyronie’s disease refers to the initial formation of plaques. During this phase, which may last 6-18 months, the bends and curves worsen and you may experience penile pain during an erection.
Chronic phase
During the chronic phase of your Peyronie’s disease, the bending and curving stop and you no longer feel pain.
What can I expect during an evaluation for Peyronie’s disease?
The specialists at the Men’s Health Center conduct a full evaluation, including cancer screening, when you come to the office with concerns about Peyronie’s disease. During your evaluation, the team reviews your symptoms and past history and performs a physical exam.
To determine the severity of the curvature, the team may inject a medication that causes your penis to stiffen. The team may also perform a dynamic ultrasound to determine the exact location of plaques, look for calcium buildup, and assess blood flow.
How is Peyronie’s disease treated?
The men’s health specialists develop individualized treatment plans for Peyronie’s disease that are specific to your needs and focus on medical therapy. If your plaques are small, you may not need treatment.
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms during the acute phase of your Peyronie’s disease, the team may recommend medication, which may be taken orally or given as an injection, to reduce your discomfort.
Surgery for Peyronie’s disease is only recommended for men with severe deformities. The men’s health experts offer many surgical treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures, robotic surgery, and traditional open surgeries.
For an evaluation and treatment plan for your Peyronie’s disease, call the office of Mike Hsieh, MD, or click the online booking button to schedule your appointment today.
