🩺 Peyronie’s Disease Expertise of Dr. Yasir Iqbal

Peyronie’s Disease is a condition in which scar tissue (plaque) develops inside the penis, causing it to bend or curve abnormally during an erection. While a slight curve in the penis is normal, men with Peyronie’s Disease often experience pain, erectile dysfunction (ED), or difficulty during intercourse due to the degree of curvature.

📌 Key Facts:

• Affects 1 in 10 men, most commonly between 40 and 70 years of age

• May develop gradually or suddenly

• Curvature can occur upward, downward, or sideways

• May be associated with erectile difficulties or penile shortening

🧪 Causes:

The exact cause is unclear, but factors may include:

• Minor penile trauma (e.g., injury during sex or sports)

• Repeated bending or pressure on the penis

• Genetic predisposition

• Certain connective tissue disorders (like Dupuytren’s contracture)

When the penis is injured, the healing process may produce excess collagen, forming hard fibrous plaque that disrupts normal elasticity.

🚨 Common Symptoms:

• A noticeable bend or curve in the erect penis

• Pain during erections or intercourse

• Lumps or hard tissue under the skin of the penis

• Erectile dysfunction or inability to maintain an erection

• Shortened penis due to tissue contraction

• Deformities like “hourglass” narrowing or indentations

🩻 Diagnosis:

• Physical exam to feel plaque or curvature

• Ultrasound to assess blood flow and plaque location

• Erection may be induced for evaluation using medication in the clinic

⚕️ Treatment Options:

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and duration of the disease (acute or chronic phase):

🕐 Non-Surgical (Early Phase or Mild Cases):

• Oral medications (e.g., Vitamin E, Potaba – limited success)

• Injection therapy (e.g., collagenase/clostridium histolyticum – FDA approved)

• Shockwave therapy (ESWT – to reduce pain, not curvature)

• Vacuum erection devices or penile traction therapy

🔧 Surgical (For Severe Cases or Chronic Phase):

• Plication surgery (for less curvature)

• Plaque incision or grafting (for more severe deformities)

• Penile implant (if associated with severe ED)

💬 When to See a Urologist

• Painful erections lasting beyond a few weeks

• Sudden appearance of curvature or difficulty during sex

• Erectile dysfunction that is new or worsening

• Any lump or hardness felt in the penis

🧠 Summary

Peyronie’s Disease is a common and treatable condition. While it may be emotionally distressing, there are multiple therapies — both non-surgical and surgical — that can help restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. Early consultation with a urologist or andrologist leads to better outcomes.