Peyronies disease - causes, symptoms, and treatment

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Peyronies disease - An overview

Peyronies disease is a skin disorder caused by scaring of tissues beneath the skin of the penis – the male sexual organ.

It is majorly due to the plaque formation in the layers of Tunica Albuginea, causing curvature of the penis. This curvature could range from slight to severe, leading to painful erections.

Table of Contents

How common is the occurrence?

According to the research, though its occurrence is rare in young men, it is estimated that about 4 in 100 men in the age group of 40-70 years are highly prone to Peyronies.

What causes Peyronies ?

Peyronie’s is caused by various factors, such as

An injury such as penile trauma: Injuries that occur during an act of sexual intercourse or accidents or activities that might have led to injury over some time end up as scars over the tissues of the penis, causing Peyronies
Autoimmune disease: Autoimmune diseases often cause the destruction of your cells, causing inflammation of the tissues, in turn forming scars that collect as plaques.
Sports or other accidents
Vigorous sex
Previous radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Risk factors that can cause Peyronies

Age: Higher the age, the higher the risk of getting Peyronies, as related tissues of the penis are likely to be more at risk for injuries.
Those who perform vigorous sexual activities
Nonsexual activities such as sports that cause micro-injuries to the penis
connective tissue disorders :
Connective tissue is a tissue layer that supports or joins various organs in your body. Any damage to this can affect your joints, muscles, and the skin associated with it. Some of the connective tissue disorders that are likely to be linked with Peyronies are :
Scleroderma: it is the abnormal growth of connective tissues causing pain or swelling of muscles and joints.
Dupuytrens contracture: Men with Peyronie’s disease are likely to suffer from Dupuytrens contracture, which is usually caused by the shortening of connective tissues around palms and hands, causing permanent bending of outer fingers
Autoimmune disorders

Autoimmune diseases associated with Peyronies are :

Behcet's disease: In this, the blood vessels get inflamed
SLE ( Systemic Lupus Erythematous ): The inflammation affects various tissues and organs of the body, such as the Joints, Kidneys, Lungs, Heart, blood vessels, and the brain.
Sjogren's Syndrome: The glands that produce tears and saliva are affected
Family History It is said that Peyronies runs in the family. If your father or brother has Peyronies, you are likely to be prone to the disease, too.

Other risk factors include :

Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes: Men with diabetes associated with erectile dysfunction are highly prone to Peyronies.
Prostate Cancer Treatment: Men who have been undergoing treatment for prostate cancers are said to be interlinked to having erectile dysfunction, which is indirectly associated with Peyronies.
Tobacco / Smoking
Tobacco / Smoking
Previous pelvic injuries

Symptoms associated with Peyronie’s

The most important and primary symptom to note in Peyronies is the curved penis. This curvature could be either upwards, downwards, or to the side. The second most important to note is the scars that cause the Peyronies. These scars may present as

The third and foremost symptom is Ed (erectile dysfunction)

The other symptoms include –

These symptoms may vary from mild to severe forms, and they can either present themselves slowly or quickly.

Stages of Peyronies

Peyronies is split into two stages

1. Acute Phase: Acute phase usually lasts for about 5-7 months and, at times, may last for 18 months. This is the phase where in-

2. Chronic Phase: Chronicphase begins with the formation of plaques or when y the plague is completed. This begins around 12-18 months after the first symptom appears. In this phase-

How are the Peyronies diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Peyronies is done by the following methods:

1. Physical examination: the doctor usually conducts a physical exam through which he identifies the lumps or the plaques that can easily be felt over the penis. Besides, the physician may inject a drug to test for the curvature of your penis.

2. Ultrasound: this is done to identify additional information regarding plaque or
check for any calcifications besides identifying the exact location of the plaque

3. Urologist: Mostly, men with peyronies are referred to a urologist for
examination who further cross-checks their family history, which includes
gathering information about –

Treatment and management of Peyronies

Usually, Peyronies is a self-remitting disease that goes away with time. In a few cases where intervention is sought, treatment modalities are suggested based on the needs and requirements of an individual.

The treatment modalities include –

1.Non-surgical treatment: This includes injections, oral medicines, and medical therapies

Collagen Intralesional injection helps break down the collagen that helps the formation of plaques, which in turn reduces penile curvature and erections.

These shots may be given over 3 months duration, depending on severity.

2.Oral medicines

While there are no oral medications to treat Peyronies, there are prescribed and over-the-counter drugs that can help deal with symptoms and pain relief and curb other factors that cause it. These include-

3.Non-medical therapy:

These are not much into practice or rather being studied. These include-

Surgical modalities

Surgical correction or treatment is recommended in those men who,

What are the implicated complications?

Advice given for Post-surgical care

There are a few tips and care advised post surgery which include,

Note not to infect or damage the catheter that usually is inserted during the surgery into the bladder through the penis. This is removed on the day of your discharge
Timely intake of antibiotics as advised by the doctor in order to reduce inflammation and swelling
Avoid intercourse for about 6 weeks post-surgery

Summary

Peyronies disease affects men not just physically but also at psychological levels as it impacts the bond and the sex life you have with your partner. Most men shy away from discussing the problem and suffer in silence. It is best advised to open up to your doctor or your close family member, who can help you find the right solution to your problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Peyronie's disease permanent?

In most cases, Peyronies is self-remitting. It goes away on its own. The
shortening and the scars are permanent

Does Peyronies turn cancerous ?

No Peyronies does not turn cancerous.Even the cells that cause
plague are benign.

Can Peyronis lead to any other illness?

In some cases, men with Peyronies tend to show fibrosis in their
hands and feet.

Can Peyronis be prevented?

Since there is no evidence of what causes peyronies, it can be prevented.

Does Consuming Viagara causes Peyronies?

Viagara directly does not impact or cause Peyronies but it said to alleviate ED and penis curvature in men who are in the early stage of Peyronies.