Some men may begin to notice the development of a noticeable curve in the penis during an erection. This can be alarming, especially when it’s painful or affects sexual intercourse. The facts are that as men grow older, the incidence of this phenomenon grows quite substantially. For some men, this change may be due to a condition known as Peyronie’s disease, and it’s never too late to consult with a knowledgeable medical specialist to find out about the options that are available to treat Peyronie’s disease.
This is a noncancerous condition in which scar tissue forms inside the penis, specifically in the tunica albuginea, the fibrous layer surrounding the inner chambers of the penis – the corpora cavernosa. As this tissue stiffens, it causes a bend, shortens the penis, and may interfere with erectile function.
The curve can stabilize or worsen over time. Some men also experience erectile dysfunction or feel self-conscious, which affects their ability to have sex. Peyronie’s is commonly linked to connective tissue disorders such as Dupuytren contracture, and it’s more frequent in men over 40. It can be treated with penile traction therapy, injections, or even a penile implant in severe cases.
About Peyronie’s disease
What is Peyronie’s disease?
Peyronie’s disease causes hard plaques of scar tissue to form under the skin of the penis, in the tunica albuginea. This reduces elasticity in one part of the penis, making it bend during an erection. The condition impacts the corpora cavernosa, the chambers that fill with blood during arousal. As scar tissue builds up, the bend becomes more noticeable and can be painful.
What is the incidence of Peyronie’s disease?
- Men are more likely to get Peyronie’s disease as they grow older. The condition can occur in around 10-15% of men between the ages of 40 and 70.
- There seems to be a genetic factor. Men may be more likely to get Peyronie’s disease if they have a biological family member who has it, such as their father or a brother.
- Men with connective tissue disorders, including Dupuytren contracture, plantar fasciitis, and scleroderma, have a greater risk of Peyronie’s disease.
What are the signs and symptoms of Peyronie’s disease?
Common symptoms include: 
- A curved or bent erect penis
- Pain during erections
- Scar tissue that can be felt under the skin
- Penis shortening or an hourglass shape
- Erectile dysfunction or difficulty maintaining an erection.
About treating Peyronie’s disease
What FDA-approved treatments for Peyronie’s disease are available?
Several treatments are FDA-approved for Peyronie’s disease. These include collagenase injections that break down the scar tissue, and penile traction therapy, which involves gently stretching the penis to reduce curvature. Surgery may be needed for severe cases, especially when erectile dysfunction is also present. A penile implant is an option for men who have both Peyronie’s and ED.
How do current treatments help Peyronie’s disease?
Treatments help by reducing scar tissue, improving blood flow, and restoring erectile function. They may also decrease pain and make sexual intercourse more comfortable. Penile traction therapy and collagenase injections are often used in the early stages. In more advanced cases, surgical correction or implants may be recommended.
Are there off-label options to treat Peyronie’s disease?
Off-label options that could treat Peyronie’s disease include specialized oral medications like pentoxifylline, injections of verapamil or interferon, and low-intensity shockwave therapy. While these aren’t officially approved for Peyronie’s, some doctors find them useful depending on the patient’s condition and response to therapy.
What are the most common side effects of treatments for Peyronie’s disease?
Side effects can include:
- Pain or bruising at the injection site
- Swelling or sensitivity after traction therapy
- Temporary worsening of curvature
- Surgical risks such as infection or sensation changes with penile implants.
Can standard erectile dysfunction (ED) medications like Viagra treat Peyronie’s disease?
While standard ED medications like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or Stendra can help manage the erectile dysfunction that often accompanies Peyronie’s disease, they are not considered a primary treatment for the underlying disease itself or for reducing penile curvature.
Here’s why:
- PDE5 inhibitors work by increasing blood flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection.
- Peyronie’s disease is characterized by the formation of scar tissue (plaque) within the penis, which can cause curvature, pain, and interfere with the normal erectile process.
- PD5E inhibitors do not directly address this scar tissue or the curvature it causes.
Can ED medications play a role?
Even though they don’t treat the disease itself, ED medications can be helpful in the following ways:
- Improving erectile function: If Peyronie’s disease is causing difficulty with erections, ED meds can help improve blood flow and enable successful intercourse.
- Potentially alleviating mild curvature in early stages: Some studies suggest that ED medications might offer some benefit in reducing fibrosis and slowing down the progression of the disease, especially in the early stages, although concrete evidence is limited.
Important considerations
- ED medications do not address the penile curvature or pain associated with Peyronie’s disease.
- It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, like a urologist, to determine the appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.
- Viagra and other ED medications have potential side effects and may not be suitable for everyone, particularly individuals with certain heart conditions or those taking nitrates.
In summary, while Viagra and other ED medications may help with the ED that often coexists with Peyronie’s disease, it’s not a direct treatment for the underlying condition. Consult with a doctor for a proper diagnosis and discussion of the most suitable treatment options for Peyronie’s disease.
Frequently asked questions about Peyronie’s disease
What is the cause of Peyronie’s disease?
Peyronie’s disease is usually caused by repeated minor trauma to the penis, often during sexual intercourse. The body responds by forming scar tissue in the tunica albuginea. This scar tissue doesn’t stretch well, leading to a curve in the penis during erection. It’s also linked to connective tissue disorders like Dupuytren contracture.
How is Peyronie’s disease connected to Dupuytren’s disease?
Dupuytren’s disease is a condition that affects the palmar fascia – the fibrous layer of tissue that lies underneath the skin and above the tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and bones in the palm and fingers.
In Dupuytren’s disease, the patient’s fascia thickens and shortens as they age. This may pull on the fingers, causing them to be forced inward toward the palm. This may make it difficult or impossible to fully straighten the fingers, resulting in what is known as a “Dupuytren’s contracture.”
Peyronie’s disease and Dupuytren’s disease are both fibrotic disorders, meaning they involve the abnormal formation of scar tissue, and are often found to occur together in the same individuals. Up to 22% of men with Peyronie’s disease may also have Dupuytren’s contracture, and vice versa. This suggests a shared underlying predisposition, possibly genetic, that increases the likelihood of developing both conditions.
What happens if Peyronie’s disease is left untreated?
If left untreated, Peyronie’s disease can stay the same, get worse, or rarely improve on its own. The curvature may become more severe, and pain or erectile dysfunction can worsen. In some cases, it may permanently affect your ability to have sex.
What can be mistaken for Peyronie’s?
Peyronie’s disease may be confused with congenital penile curvature, scar tissue from surgery, or minor injuries. However, these conditions usually don’t involve progressive curvature or hardened plaques within the tunica albuginea.
What does the start of Peyronie’s disease look like?
Early signs may include a soft lump or hardened area under the skin, mild pain during erection, or a slight curve that gradually becomes more noticeable. Some men also notice reduced firmness or length in the erect penis.
When is it too late to treat Peyronie’s disease?
It’s rarely too late to treat Peyronie’s disease. While early treatment may offer better results, options like surgery or penile implants are still available in later stages when the condition is more stable.
Is Viagra good for Peyronie’s disease?
Viagra and other ED medications can help improve erectile function in men with Peyronie’s disease, but they don’t treat the underlying scar tissue or curvature. They may be used alongside other treatments.
Does massage help Peyronie’s disease?
There’s no solid evidence that massage can reduce plaque or improve curvature in Peyronie’s disease. In fact, rough handling may worsen symptoms. Penile traction therapy, under medical supervision, is a safer option.
