What is it about ?
Peyronie’s disease is a condition characterized by local thickening of the connective tissue (scar) inside the penis. Because of this, the cavernous bodies of the penis cannot fully stretch during erection. The penis therefore curves in the direction of this thickening. The curvature can be horizontal or vertical.
The disease often occurs between the ages of 40 and 60; in young men it is usually the result of trauma, for example when the penis was suddenly bent while it was erect. In the other cases, the cause is not yet entirely clear. Besides inflammatory mechanisms and / or hyperactivity of connective tissue cells, heredity is also presumed to play a role. About 15% of men with Peyronie’s disease also have Dupuytren’s disease. This condition is associated with thickening of the connective tissue in the palms of the hands.
After the disease appears, the curvature of the penis may increase for a year, after which it usually stabilizes. This is most often a slight curvature, which poses few problems. But, in rare cases, the curvature is very marked, sometimes being able to exceed an angle of 60 °.
What is its frequency?
Peyronie’s disease affects 1 to 2 in 1,000 men.
How to recognize it?
Peyronie’s disease is characterized by a small, hard lump in the wall of the penis. The penis bends during erection. This can be painful. If the little balls press on the nerves, the glans may become unresponsive. About half of men with Peyronie’s disease experience decrease in the quality and duration of erection which causes problems during sexual intercourse. These sexual problems can in turn lead to psychological problems.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor makes the diagnosis based on your story and physical examination. When examining the penis, he usually feels an oblong lump in the skin. He will also examine your prostate to make sure that these balls have nothing to do with a Prostate cancer. For the rest, it is helpful if the doctor can see the curvature of the erect penis. It is therefore advisable to provide him with a photo of your erect penis. He will then prescribe an ultrasound. This exam allows you to visualize the scar and the blood circulation inside the penis.
What can you do ?
There is nothing you can do about Peyronie’s disease itself. But it is important to be alert to the side effects of the disease, such as damage to your intimate and sex life. Talk about it openly with your partner. This will prevent you from developing negative thoughts about yourself and / or feeling depressed. If intercourse is no longer possible, you can openly discuss the possible alternatives.
What can your doctor do?
In about half of the cases, the condition goes away without treatment. In the event of serious problems, corrective action may be considered. This intervention is only possible after stabilization of the disease (usually one year after the onset of symptoms). If your sex life is not affected by the disease, the operation is not recommended.
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