This is a disease in, which penis bends to a side at the time of erection. This is due to the scar tissues, which are developed under the skin of the penis. Sometimes this also changes the shape but usually it results in abnormal bending and painful erections. This may lead to difficulty in erections and sexual intercourse. This disease is named after the French surgeon Francis Gigot de la Peyronie who defined this disease in 1743.
Congenital Curvature
A penis may be slightly curved to a side, if the curve is up to a certain degree, it is considered as normal but when the curve increases and it causes pain, then it a matter of concern.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
The symptoms may be congenital but this is only in rare cases. The symptoms of this disease may develop at a slow pace or they can appear suddenly.
- Scar: this can be detected under the skin of the penis.
- Bend of the Penis: when the bend exceeds the normal limit the abnormal bend can clearly be recognized.
- Erection: patient may not get a proper erection and the blood flow is affected.
- Pain: painful erection and orgasm, pain even at touching the penis.
- Sexual Life: inability to have sex due to pain and lack of erection.
What Causes this Disease?
Although the actual cause is not known but researchers believe that it may be a result of bleeding, which occur inside the penis due to any injury or bending. Sometimes the injury is very low even it is not noticeable. The chances of genetically linked or inheritance cannot be overlooked.
This can also be the side effects of medication as this disease is mostly recognized in people who are suffering from Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Hyperlipidaemia and Duputren’s contracture.
Test for diagnosis
Physical examination
Doctor will check your penis for the scar tissue when it is not erected. He may measure it to know the further shortening of the penis.
Other test: duplex ultrasound and X-rays tests are done to check the blood flow of the penis. In the absence of erection, they will give you an injection with local anesthesia as you will experience pain at the time of erection. This test will show the presence of scar tissues and other abnormalities.
Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease
Doctors use wait and watch policy, they do not recommend any kind of medication or surgery, if the situation is not deteriorating like
- If the curvature remains the same and not worsening.
- You are still living a healthy sexual life.
- You have mild pain at the time of erection.
Medication
There are lots of oral medicines available but they are not as effective as surgery. As a part of the treatment they will give you many injections and local anesthesia during the treatment period. Some of the commonly used medicines are
- Verapamil: this drug make affects the production of the collagen, a key element of scar tissue. This is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure.
- Interferon: this is a kind of protein and known for breaking down the fibrous tissues.
Surgery
This is done to increase the length of the affected side, surgeon makes cuts in the fibrous tissues, this allows the penis to straighten.
Penile implant is done to replace the tissues; they consider this as a last resort when the patient suffers from erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease.
