Peyronie’s disease occurs when scar tissue forms inside the penis, affecting its ability to expand evenly during an erection. This results in a noticeable curvature that may worsen over time.

Common Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease:

• Curvature or bending of the penis during an erection.
• Pain during erections, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
• Shortening of the penis due to the fibrous plaque.
• Difficulty having sexual intercourse due to the severity of the curvature.

Peyronie’s disease can develop gradually or appear suddenly. The condition is sometimes progressive and may worsen over time without treatment.

The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to abnormal wound healing after trauma or injury to the penis.

Potential Causes Include:

• Minor penile injuries – Occur during sex, sports, or other physical activity.
• Disorder of wound healing – The body overproduces scar tissue instead of properly repairing the affected area.
• Genetics or environmental factors – Men with a family history of Peyronie’s disease may be more likely to develop it.
• Connective tissue disorders – Conditions affecting the body’s ability to form healthy connective tissue.
• Autoimmune disorders – The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to excessive scar formation.
• Diabetes – Can contribute to poor wound healing and an increased risk of developing Peyronie’s disease.
• Tobacco use – Smoking has been linked to vascular and connective tissue damage, increasing the risk of Peyronie’s disease.

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing Peyronie’s disease, including:

• Family history – Having a relative with Peyronie’s disease increases the risk.
• Age – The condition is more common in men over 50 but can occur at any age.
• Diabetes-related Erectile Dysfunction (ED) – Men with diabetes and ED are at higher risk.
• Repeated trauma to the penis – Engaging in activities that increase the likelihood of minor injuries to the penis.

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the degree of penile curvature, and how the condition affects sexual function. At Northwest Urology, we offer both non-surgical and surgical treatment options to restore penile function and improve quality of life.

1. Medications
   • Oral Medications – While no oral medication has been FDA-approved for Peyronie’s disease, some may help slow disease progression.
   • Injection Therapy – Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex®) is an FDA-approved injectable treatment. It helps break down the fibrous plaque and improve curvature.
2. Non-Surgical Therapies
   • Traction Therapy – Devices that gently stretch the penis over time to improve curvature.
3. Surgical Treatment: Surgery is recommended for severe cases where Peyronie’s disease significantly impacts sexual function. Surgical options include:
   • Plication Surgery – Shortening the longer side of the penis to straighten the curvature.
   • Plaque Excision and Grafting – Removing the fibrous plaque and replacing it with graft material.
   • Penile Prosthesis Implantation – For men with severe Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction (ED), a penile implant can restore function.

Men should schedule a consultation if they:

• Notice a significant bend or curve in their penis.
• Experience pain during erections that interferes with sexual activity.
• Have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
• Feel frustration or embarrassment due to penile changes.

Seeking early treatment can help prevent worsening symptoms and improve overall sexual health and confidence.