Peyronie’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Peyronie’s disease is a condition that affects the penis, causing it to become bent or curved. This can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for those who suffer from it, as well as causing difficulty with sexual activity. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of Peyronie’s disease, and how to manage the condition.

What is Peyronie’s disease?

Peyronie’s disease is caused by the buildup of scar tissue in the penis, which causes it to bend or curve. This can happen gradually over time, or suddenly, and the curvature can be mild or severe. The condition can cause pain and discomfort during erections, and can make it difficult or impossible to have sexual intercourse. Peyronie’s disease is most common in men over the age of 40, and can occur in men of any age.

Causes of Peyronie’s disease

The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by trauma to the penis, such as during sexual activity. Some men may be more susceptible to the condition due to genetics, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may increase the risk of developing Peyronie’s disease.

Symptoms of Peyronie’s disease

The most obvious symptom of Peyronie’s disease is a bend or curve in the penis. The curvature can be upward, downward, or to one side, and can be mild or severe. In some cases, the curvature may be so severe that it makes sexual intercourse impossible. Other symptoms of Peyronie’s disease may include pain or discomfort during erections, a lump or plaque under the skin of the penis, and erectile dysfunction.

Diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease

If you are experiencing symptoms of Peyronie’s disease, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam, including an examination of the penis, to check for the presence of scar tissue or other abnormalities. You may also need to undergo imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to get a better look at the structure of your penis.

Treatment options for Peyronie’s disease

There are several treatment options available for Peyronie’s disease, depending on the severity of your condition. Mild cases of Peyronie’s disease may not require treatment, but your doctor may recommend medication to help manage symptoms, such as pain or erectile dysfunction. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the scar tissue and straighten the penis.

Other treatment options for Peyronie’s disease may include penile injections or the use of a penile traction device, which can help to stretch the penis and reduce curvature over time. Some men may also benefit from therapy or counselling to help them cope with the emotional and psychological effects of Peyronie’s disease.

Managing Peyronie’s disease

If you have been diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease, there are several things you can do to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. First and foremost, it’s important to maintain good overall health, including eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

You may also want to try some lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms. For example, avoiding activities that put extra pressure on the penis, such as cycling or horseback riding, may help to reduce pain and discomfort. You may also want to experiment with different sexual positions or techniques that can help to minimize the curvature of your penis during intercourse.

Takeaway

Peyronie’s disease can be a challenging and uncomfortable condition to live with, but with the right treatment and management strategies, it is possible to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Zuella Montemayor did her degree in psychology at the University of Toronto. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.