The primary symptom of Peyronie’s (pronounced pa-ro-NEEZ) disease is an abnormal curvature of the penis. Although many men have a slight natural curve to their penis, with true Peyronie’s disease the curvature is predominant when erect and is accompanied by pain. Following is an overview of the condition, the risk factors and possible treatments.

Peyronie’s disease is typically noted by a significant curvature of the penis.

What is Peyronie’s Disease?

If you’ve been reviewing penis enlargement information, chances are you’ve seen the mention of Peyronie’s disease. Although mentioned on penis enlargement equipment manufacturer sites and in forums, oftentimes the term is just an ambiguous “penis curve.” What is Peyronie’s disease really?

According to the National Institute of Health, Peyronie’s disease is characterized by the formation of plaque within the penis. This plaque is actually a flat plate of scar tissue and typically develops on the top or bottom of the penis, inside the tunic albuginea. The tunica albuginea envelopes the erectile tissues, and although the plaque begins as localized inflammation, fibrous scar tissue begins to form and harden.  This may happen gradually over time, or it may occur literally overnight.

Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease

An hourglass shape may be present in an erect penis with Peyronie’s disease.

As mentioned, many men have a natural, slight curve to their penis that is absolutely nothing to worry about. However, for the approximately 3 to 9 percent of men with Peyronie’s disease, following are symptoms that may be experienced, as noted by the Mayo Clinic:

• Presence of scar tissue - The plaque or scar tissue, which occurs with Peyronie’s disease, can typically felt underneath the skin, as a band of hard tissue or a series of flat lumps.
• A significant curvature of the penis - This curvature may be upward, downward, to the left or the right. This curvature usually begins where the hardening that can be felt is found. In some instance, when your penis is erect, it may have an ‘hourglass’ shape, with a narrow, tight band around the shaft.
• Erection difficulties – For many men with Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction occurs, with challenges getting or maintaining an erection.
• Penis shortening – The penis may actually become shorter due to Peyronie’s disease.
• Pain – Pain varies with Peyronie’s disease. Some men find that they only have pain when they are erect or only when they orgasm. Others experience pain anytime the penis is touched.

Risk Factors of Peyronie’s Disease

The condition is fairly uncommon and typically affects men 40 years old and older. Although the exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is unknown, there are a couple of risk factors.

1. Penis fracture – Injury during intercourse can sometimes lead to Peyronie’s disease.
2. Prostate cancer surgery or radiation treatment – The NIH has found that men who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer have a higher incidence of developing Peyronie’s disease.
3. Duputren’s contracture – This is a cord-like thickening found across the palm of either one or both hands in men. Fairly common in white males over the age of 50, a small percentage of these men also develop Peyronie’s disease.
4. Genetics – A certain type of immune cell marker has been found in men with Peyronie’s disease that may indicate there is a genetic predisposition to the disease.

 Treatment Options for Peyronie’s Disease

There have been a variety of treatments available for Peyronie’s disease.

• Corticosteroid injections may be made into the fibrous scar tissue,
• Potaba is an oral prescription medication sometimes prescribed,
• Verapamil injections may be made into the fibrous scar tissue,
• Collagenase is an enzyme that is currently under study for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease,
• Xiaflex, a drug already approved for use for Duputren’s contracture, is in clinical trials, and
• Radiation therapy and shock wave lithotripsy are less invasive treatment options.

Regretfully, many times these treatment methods are unsuccessful. As a result, for men who are unable to have sex due to their Peyronie’s disease, surgery is often considered. Risk factors with surgery include impotence, however, and therefore a penile implant is sometimes then warranted.

Traction-Based Extenders as a Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease

Extenders may be able to help break down plaque and correct curvature due to Peyronie’s disease.

Traction-based extenders have been used by many men to help correct penis curvature and treat Peyronie’s disease. Through gradual, tension an extender gently straightens the penis. This traction can help break up the plaque that has formed as a result of the disease, and eventually dissolve the fibrous scarring mass. Although this is reported to not be a quick solution, when other non-surgical treatments have failed, it may be worth a try before going under the knife.