penis

Stages of Peyronie’s Disease

Health 16 March 2023 By

Peyronie’s disease is characterised by the formation of fibrous scar tissue in the penis, resulting in curvature, discomfort, and erectile dysfunction. The severity of Peyronie’s disease varies from person to person, and it can progress in stages over time. In this article, we will discuss the four stages of Peyronie’s disease and the symptoms associated with each stage.

Stage 1: Acute phase

The first stage of Peyronie’s disease is the acute phase, which is characterised by pain and inflammation in the penis. During this stage, fibrous scar tissue begins to form, which can cause the penis to bend or curve during an erection. The curvature may be mild or severe, and it can occur in any direction.

The symptoms of Peyronie’s disease during the acute phase may include:

  • Pain or tenderness in the penis
  • Swelling or inflammation
  • A lump or hard area in the penis
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Difficulty with sexual intercourse
  • Depression or anxiety associated with the condition

The acute phase of Peyronie’s disease typically lasts for 6-12 months, although it can last longer in some cases.

Stage 2: Chronic phase

This phase of Peyronie’s disease is characterised by the stabilisation of the fibrous scar tissue, which stops growing and becomes harder. During this stage, the curvature of the penis may become more pronounced, as a result, Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction may become more severe. However, the pain and inflammation usually subside.

The symptoms of Peyronie’s disease during the chronic phase may include:

  • The penis’s natural curvature when erections
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Difficulty with sexual intercourse
  • Conditions-related stress or sadness

The chronic phase can last for several months to several years, and it may progress to the next stage.

Stage 3: Subacute phase

The third stage which is known as the subacute phase is characterised by the gradual improvement of symptoms, including the curvature of the penis and erectile dysfunction. During this stage, the fibrous scar tissue may begin to soften and break down, which can lead to a decrease in curvature and an improvement in sexual function.

The symptoms of Peyronie’s disease during the subacute phase may include:

  • Decreased curvature of the penis during an erection
  • Improved erectile function
  • Improved sexual intercourse
  • Decreased anxiety or depression related to the condition

This phase of Peyronie’s disease can last for several months to several years before progressing to the next stage.

Stage 4: Resolved phase

This phase is the last phase of Peyronie’s disease. The resolved phase of Peyronie’s disease is characterised by the complete resolution of symptoms, including the curvature of the penis and erectile dysfunction. During this stage, the fibrous scar tissue may continue to break down and be replaced by healthy tissue, which can lead to a return to normal sexual function.

The symptoms of Peyronie’s disease during the resolved phase may include:

  • No curvature of the penis during an erection
  • Normal erectile function
  • Normal sexual intercourse
  • No anxiety or depression related to the condition

It may take several years for Peyronie’s disease to reach the resolved stage and it may not occur in all cases. Some people may experience residual curvature or erectile dysfunction even after the condition has resolved.

Treatment for Peyronie’s disease

There are several treatment options available for Peyronie’s disease, depending on the severity of the condition and the stage of progression. In the acute phase, non-surgical treatments such as oral medications, injections, and topical creams may be used to reduce inflammation and pain. In the chronic phase, surgical options such as penile traction devices, vacuum erection devices or VED for Peyronie’s, and surgery may be considered to correct the curvature of the penis and improve sexual function.

In the subacute phase, non-surgical treatments such as shockwave therapy and collagenase injections may be used to break down the fibrous scar tissue and improve curvature and erectile function. In some circumstances, surgery may also be considered.

In the resolved phase, treatment may not be necessary if the symptoms have completely resolved. However, regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended to ensure that the condition does not recur.

It is crucial to remember that not all cases of Peyronie’s disease progress through all four stages, and some people may experience different symptoms or a different timeline of progression. It is also important to seek medical advice and treatment if you experience any symptoms of Peyronie’s disease, as early intervention may lead to better outcomes.

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress may also help to improve symptoms and overall sexual health. Counselling or therapy may also be helpful for those experiencing anxiety or depression related to the condition.

To sum it up, Peyronie’s disease can be a challenging condition to manage, but there are various treatment options available depending on the stage of the disease. A new treatment for Peyronie’s disease has emerged known as shockwave therapy has shown promising results in the subacute phase of Peyronie’s disease by breaking down the fibrous scar tissue and improving curvature and erectile function.

If you are experiencing symptoms of Peyronie’s disease, it is essential to seek medical advice and treatment promptly. At Mansmatters, our team of medical professionals specialises in the treatment of Peyronie’s disease using shockwave therapy and other advanced treatments. We provide personalised care to help our patients achieve the best possible outcomes and improve their sexual function and overall quality of life.

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