A Curve in the Penis

Peyronie's Disease is characterized by a curve bend or crook in the penis. The curve in the penis is caused by fibrous, hard scar tissue which develops in layers under the penis skin. When the penis is erect the scar tissue presses and causes the distortion. The cause of the disease itself is not known. Peyronie's Disease can clear up on it's own but in some cases it does not. When this disease worsens without healing itself it can cause painful erections and sexual difficulties including but not limited to, pain during sex. Peyronie's can take a hard emotional toll since doctors are very hesitant to operate before years of waiting. Though there are other non surgical options, doctors prefer to wait and see if the problem truly requires intervention. Peyronie's is an uncommon disease but there are a few risk factors that make a man more likely to develop Peyronie's. Heredity is a factor, if a family member has it or had it chances are greater that you will develop it. It is more common in older men who are 50 or older but can affect any age. Age decreases the amount of elasticity which increases the likelihood of an injury. A man with other tissue disorders are also more likely to develop or already have Peyronie's.

The scar tissue, or plaque usually forms on one side or the other but is not limited to one side. Symptoms of this disease include possible pain during erection, pain during sexual relations, a seemingly shortening or shrinking of the penis, an indention or odd shape during erection, trouble achieving an erection (ED) and thick hard tissue on one side of the penis. These symptoms can be obviously devastating to a man. There may or may not be pain present during any stage of Peyronie's. Pain may decrease after a short time period while the plaque continues to build and the curvature continues to get more pronounced. In few cases the pain does not diminish.

While the actual cause of Peyronie's is unknown, there are a few theories. One is an inherited collagen abnormality. Another possibility is an autoimmune disorder. An injury or trauma to the penis may explain a temporary crook in the penis but it will most likely heal in time and return to normal. Peyronie's may be connected with certain medications especially beta blockers, used for seizures, blood pressure or heart problems. Another argued theory of Peyronie's is that the penis is injured and blood vessels are ruptured. The injured vessels bleed and scar tissue begins to build. Perhaps it is not given time to heal properly and then is re-injured creating more scar tissue, abnormal healing and hardening of the tissue. This all results in a distorted penis. Other's claim this is nonsense because one third of men with Peyronie's develop hard scar tissue in other areas of the body.

A doctor can diagnose Peyronie's with a simple physical exam but may need to give an injection in the penis to induce an erection. In a few cases a doctor may order an ultrasound. Treatments that may be used if it is decided to be necessary can include injections in the penis, oral medication and surgery.

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www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/erectile-dysfunction-peyronies-disease