Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie’s Disease (PD) is a when hard nodules (also called plaques) form in the tissue layer covering the vascular erectile tissue in the penile shaft. This in not a cancerous process, but can cause severe bending of the penis and shortening. It interferes with erections and may curve enough to prohibit sexual activity. This is a disease that causes much stress for both the man and his partner.

The exact cause of PD is still unknown, though much of the research suggests that it is a disorder of poorly organized wound healing. Some experts believe that microscopic fractures that happen during normal sexual activity may lead to this exaggerated wound healing reaction in PD patients. Why some people form Peyronie’s plaques while others don’t is still unknown.

There are a number of treatments available to Peyronies Disease patients that will help treat the curvature though none are “cures” in the sense that none can reverse this abnormal wound healing process. Most therapy for Peyronies disease are aimed at halting further curvature, or straightening out the penis so that the man can have a straight functional erection once again.

Peyronie’s disease may be associated with pain, especially in the initial stages, and with penile shortening. Many men with Peyronie’s disease will develop erectile dysfunction along with curvature.

Urology