Peyronie's disease may lead to a significant curve in the penis when erect, resulting in painful or restricted intercourse.
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Peyronie's disease (PD) is a condition that causes the penis to curve when it’s erect. It can be painful in the early phases of the condition and can also affect intimacy between partners, in some cases making it impossible to have intercourse. It may also lead to erectile dysfunction and penile shortening.
Anyone with a penis can have Peyronie's disease, but it most commonly affects men over 40.
The most obvious symptoms of Peyronie's disease are curving of the penis and pain when erect, although the pain usually subsides after 9-12 months of the start of the condition. While penises vary in shape and size, with many having a slight bend, Peyronie’s disease may cause a severe bend in the penis when erect.
If you have Peyronie’s disease you may notice:
The development of a hard lump on the penile shaft which restricts stretching during erections
A curvature of your penis upwards, downwards or sideways
Painful erections that can make having sex difficult or impossible
Problems getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction)
Other changes to your penis, such as a hard area on the top, bottom and side of your penis which causes it to shorten, making it narrower in the middle (wasting or hourglass deformity)
In some cases, skin (tendons) on other areas of your body such as your hands and feet may also be thicker and less flexible
Due to its impact on sexual performance and intimacy, Peyronie's disease can also affect your mental health. If you suspect you have Peyronie's disease or are struggling with sexual performance it’s important to seek specialist advice for a diagnosis and treatment by a UroAndrologist.
The exact cause of Peyronie's disease isn't always clear. However, it’s thought that various conditions and factors may increase your risk of having the condition, including:
During your consultation, your consultant will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination of your penis.
In some cases, they may arrange for you to have a scan, which will provide them with a better picture of what’s happening within the tissues of your penis, this may help for planning of your surgical treatment in some cases.
Treatments for Peyronie’s disease vary depending on how long you’ve had the condition. Your consultant will recommend the best course of action, which may consist of one or a combination of the following therapies: