Peyronie’s disease is a build-up of scar tissue in the tissues of the penis which can cause it to bend significantly upward, downward, or to either side. This can cause pain, especially during erections. Peyronie’s disease can also make it difficult to get or keep an erection. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about Peyronie’s disease and insight into possible treatments.
What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?
There is not one known cause of Peyronie’s disease. Generally, it is believed that it stems from an injury to the penis from sports, accidents, or sex. However, many diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease cannot recall a specific injury. There may also be a genetic link that can make a person more susceptible to the disease.
Is It Transmissible?
No, Peyronie’s disease is not contagious.
How Will Peyronie’s Disease Affect Me?
Peyronie’s disease affects everyone differently. It also comes in two stages which can cause different symptoms. Firstly, patients may notice a bend in their erections, feel pain when erect, and notice the erections look shorter. Occasionally, other changes in the appearance may be noticeable. The symptoms tend to come on slowly. When the scar tissue stops growing, the penis will stop changing in appearance, but will not return to the original appearance prior to Peyronie’s.
Many people with Peyronie’s disease report issues having sex, getting or keeping erections (erectile dysfunction), worsening or developing anxiety and depression, painful sex, and fertility issues. The severity and incidence of these complications will vary.
Is Peyronie’s Dangerous?
No, Peyronie’s disease is typically benign. However, as previously noted, it can cause pain, but the pain is due to stretching of the tissues and skin.
Could I Have Something Else?
Yes, other conditions and injuries can cause changes to the look, size, and shape of the penis. Therefore, it is important to have any changes or abnormalities medically evaluated.
Will Peyronie’s Disease Keep Me From Having Sex?
It may prevent sex because of pain during erections or painful sex. If the condition is mild, sex may still be possible or certain positions may lessen discomfort.
Could It Be Penile Cancer?
Cancer rarely presents as or similarly to Peyronie’s disease. However, it is likely your doctor will still perform a screening to be sure.
Can A Relatively Young Man Have Peyronie’s?
Yes, however, it is most common in between 45 and 70.
What Are The Stages Of Peyronie’s Disease?
First is the acute stage which is when symptoms are actively developing and the scar tissue in the penis is continuing to grow. When the growth of the scar tissue stops, Peyronie’s enters the chronic stage which—while symptoms are stable—they do not go away on their own.
Does Peyronie’s Disease Make The Penis Smaller?
Due to the bunching up of tissue, Peyronie’s disease can make erections look smaller. An unerect penis will likely appear similar in size with the most dramatic changes in size occurring during an erection.
Does Peyronie’s Disease Cause Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Not all men who have Peyronie’s will experience erectile dysfunction. However, there is a strong correlation between the two conditions, and Peyronie’s can cause erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion
Treatment options for Peyronie’s consist of various therapies and sometimes surgery. Certain types of injections may also help relieve or break down the scar tissue associated with Peyronie’s disease. Many aesthetic practices regularly perform these injections to help treat Peyronie’s and improve the appearance of the penis. Based on the stage of Peyronie’s and the severity, these injections combined with traction therapy can help return the penis to its full length and may alleviate pain from the condition.