Peyronie’s disease is an abnormal curvature of the penis by scar tissue in the erectile tissue. The cause of Peyronie's disease is scar tissue preventing the penis from straightening, making the curvature most obvious during erection. Curvature can become so severe that it prevents intercourse.

Symptoms

• Lump or thickening along the penis shaft, most noticeable when penis is soft (flaccid)
• Bent or curved appearance of the penis, most noticeable when penis is soft (flaccid)
• Painful erection
• Inability to maintain erection
• Inability to achieve penetration during intercourse

Causes

The cause is sometimes unknown but research has shown that this condition can develop after trauma to the penis, such as bending or hitting. The trauma can cause bleeding and a buildup of scar tissue while healing from that trauma. Having a curve in the penis isn’t cause for concern but a significant bend and pain can be an indication of Peyronie’s disease.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will perform testing, including a detailed history and physical exam.

Other tests include:

• An x-ray to produce a picture of the penis structure
• Doppler flow studies, using sound waves to monitor blood flow

Treatment

In most cases of Peyronie’s disease, treatment is not necessary unless the disease causes pain or interferes with intercourse. A new injectable treatment, Xiaflex is available. In some cases Peyronie’s disease can alleviate without treatment. Most patients with Peyronie’s disease are able to remain sexually active.

Though there is no standard treatment, medicines and vitamin E can help to treat pain and improve sex life. Surgery can also be considered for men with severe Peyronie’s disease—with pain, severe curvature, or sexual dysfunction.

Prognosis

Most patients with Peyronie’s disease are able to remain sexually active. Unless a patient has severe pain or the disease prevents or hinders sexual intercourse, patients with Peyronie’s disease will require little to no treatment.