Comprehensive Overview of Peyronie's Disease: Understanding the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Any symptoms of penis-related conditions can be very stressful and embarrassing to deal with. Often people with symptoms affecting the penis, especially ones that affect its shape and size, will be hesitant to seek consultation and treatment. Nevertheless, it is important to always seek medical attention when it’s clear that something is wrong.
One of the most alarming conditions that affected individuals often suffer quietly from is Peyronie’s disease. Peyronie’s disease is a condition characterized by the presence of scar tissue or plaque in the penis, resulting in a curvature, bending, or reduction in length or girth. This article aims to provide valuable insights into Peyronie's disease, including its stages, common symptoms, causes, and available treatment options.
What Is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s disease, also known as penile fibrosis, is a medical condition that affects the size and shape of the penis. It occurs when scar tissue develops within the penis, leading to deformities such as bending or curving. Individuals often experience acute pain during erections. In some cases, individuals may experience a loss of length or girth.
It is important to note that not all penile curves indicate Peyronie's disease. Many men naturally have slight curves in their erect penises, which is considered normal and unrelated to this condition. Typically, individuals can tell when they have experienced a significant change in the shape or size of their penis and know that there are underlying conditions.
Peyronie's disease is estimated to affect around 6% to 10% of men aged between 40 and 70. While it can occur at any age, it is less common in younger age groups. The actual prevalence of Peyronie's disease may be higher due to underreporting caused by embarrassment or discomfort in discussing the condition with healthcare providers. We at M Health and Beauty strongly recommend seeking professional medical advice for any concerns related to sexual health.
Stages of Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease progresses through two stages: acute and chronic. The acute stage typically lasts between six and twelve months. During this phase, scar tissue forms beneath the skin of the penis, causing curvature or other shape abnormalities. Pain may be experienced during both erections and flaccid states in this stage.
In the chronic stage, the scar tissue stops growing, and the curvature stabilizes without worsening. The pain usually diminishes during this stage, although it may persist during erections. It's worth noting that other forms of erectile dysfunction (ED) can develop during the chronic phase of Peyronie's disease due to decreased blood flow and other factors.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
The primary symptom of Peyronie's disease is the presence of a curve or bend in the penis. Other common symptoms include:
The symptoms of Peyronie's disease can manifest suddenly or develop gradually over time. Although pain tends to decrease over time, the curvature of the penis can cause complications. Severe bends exceeding 30 degrees may result in painful or impossible sexual intercourse.
The most noticeable symptom of course is the misshapen form due to the curvature. If the scarring occurs on the top of the penis, it will curve upward. If the scarring occurs on the bottom of the penis, it will curve downwards, and the same pattern follows if it occurs on either side of the penis.
The scar tissue will feel different than the texture of the rest of the normal penile tissue. In some cases, the scar tissue will contain calcium which makes the affected area feel harder like a bone.
Causes of Peyronie’s Disease
The exact cause of Peyronie's disease is not yet fully understood. However, researchers suggest that scarring occurs after an injury to the erect penis, commonly associated with abnormal bending during sexual intercourse. It is worth noting that up to 80% of individuals with Peyronie's disease do not recall a specific event preceding the changes in their penises.
These changes may result from small, unnoticed injuries during regular sexual activity. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition or environmental factors that contribute to the development of Peyronie's disease, such as having a higher risk of developing scar tissue in that area.
All that is understood about the cause of the condition is the general risk factors associated with it. It’s known that people between 40 and 70, a possible link to testosterone deficiency, are more likely to get Peyronie’s disease. Also, those with connective tissue disorders, prostate cancer, autoimmune diseases, and especially diabetes-related erectile dysfunction are at a higher risk.
While it is called Peyronie’s disease, it is essential to clarify that it is not contagious and not related to any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Peyronie’s disease cannot be passed through any physical or intimate contact.
Other Important Things to Note
As stated before, Peyronie's disease can contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction. The presence of penile plaque or scar tissue can interfere with the proper storage of blood in the penis during an erection, resulting in difficulties achieving and maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
Severe Peyronie's disease can lead to a reduction in penis length. The extent of length loss depends on the severity of the penile curvature. In some cases, scar tissue can form on opposite sides or on the top and bottom, resulting in a shorter, narrower appearance.
The ability to engage in sexual intercourse can vary based on the severity of Peyronie's disease. While it may still be possible to have sexual intercourse in some cases, it can be challenging or painful for both the affected individual and their partner. The degree of penile curvature, pain, or erectile dysfunction directly affects the difficulty of engaging in sexual activities.
Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease
There is no primary treatment or one single procedure for Peyronie’s disease. Every individual is unique and may require varied approaches toward treatment. Sometimes, if the curvature isn’t very extreme and there is no pain, individuals may not need treatment.
The first common treatment for Peyronie’s disease is erectile dysfunction medication. There are injection medications that help break down scar tissue and reduce swelling and there are oral medications that can improve blood flow and help improve erectile rigidity.
There is also the option of having surgery. The penile implant is the most commonly recommended procedure for Peyronie’s disease. It involves implanting a tiny inflatable device into the affected area that can be inflated to achieve a straighter, firmer erection.
For those whose symptoms are not responding to medications and are seeking a non-surgical treatment, one of the best options is Acoustic Soundwave Therapy (ASWT). Acoustic Soundwave Therapy is effective in reducing micro-plaque and alleviating pain during erections. By targeting the underlying scar tissue, this treatment is great for those affected by Peyronie's disease.
Conclusion
Seeking medical attention is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Discussing concerns about sexual health with a healthcare provider can always help in understanding and managing Peyronie's disease effectively.
If you’re seeking treatment for Peyronie’s disease then consider M Health and Beauty’s range of erectile dysfunction treatments. Get started with us today by scheduling a consultation and improve your penile function and quality of life.

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