Medically reviewed by Dr. Bill Johnson
We’re just going to say it — men can be stubborn when it comes to their health and going to the doctor. Many men put off seeing their doctor for painful or uncomfortable symptoms and try to just “power through.” But what happens when a problem begins affecting day-to-day life, your productivity, or your relationships with others?
It’s especially understandable to want to avoid the doctor when it comes to talking about personal issues, including those that involve the penis. Sexual and penile dysfunction can be embarrassing to talk about, even with a doctor. One issue in this category that many men suffer from is Peyronie’s disease.
Whether you have been recently diagnosed with this condition or are searching for potential causes of painful erections and other dysfunctions, learning more about this condition can help. We’re sharing the following information to help you take charge of your health and find the relief you’ve been searching for.
What is Peyronie’s disease?
Peyronie’s disease is a condition that causes scar tissue to form in the penis, making it curve. Estimates depend on how it’s counted. About 0.5–1% of U.S. men have a doctor’s diagnosis, but as many as 11–13% report symptoms that suggest Peyronie’s disease.
Men with Peyronie’s disease experience pain during erections and difficulty maintaining erections during intercourse. As a result of these side effects, many men feel embarrassed, depressed, and frustrated.
What causes Peyronie’s disease?
While the buildup of scar tissue is the main contributor, researchers are still working to fully understand the causes of Peyronie’s disease. In many cases, this condition is connected to injuries from biking, horseback riding, and vigorous sexual activity. Other research has linked the development of the condition to family history.
Peyronie’s Disease Risk Factors
There are several factors that doctors and researchers have identified as increasing the risk of a man developing Peyronie’s disease. These include:
- Age: Men become more likely to develop this condition later in life, particularly in the 50s and 60s.
- Heredity: If a family member has been diagnosed with this condition, there is an increased risk of it developing in other relatives.
- Other connective tissue disorders: Many men with Peyronie’s disease have also been diagnosed with a similar condition in the hand known as Dupuytren’s contracture.
- Smoking: Like so many health conditions, smoking and other tobacco use may increase the risk of Peyronie’s disease.
Medical researchers are also exploring potential links to prostate surgery, nutrition, and comorbidities such as diabetes and obesity.
Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms
Symptoms and their severity can vary for Peyronie’s disease, but the most common symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include:
- Scar tissue that can be noticeably felt under the skin on the shaft of the penis
- Difficulty getting an erection, or an inability to achieve or maintain an erection
- Change in penis length
- Curving or bending of the penis
- Complex bends, divots, or an hourglass shape in the penis
- Pain with erection or when the penis is touched
- Pain during orgasm
Many report symptoms worsening during the first few months of developing the condition and then gradually leveling off. In some situations, pain may improve while penile curvature and shortening remain.
Peyronie’s Disease Complications
Peyronie’s disease can have a major negative effect on the quality of life and lead to many specific complications. This can include:
- Anxiety and depression
- An inability to have or enjoy sexual intercourse
- Relationship stress
- Difficulty conceiving
Despite the potential embarrassment around this condition, it is important to be proactive about treating Peyronie’s disease. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of achieving a positive outcome.
Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosis
Peyronie’s disease should always be diagnosed by a qualified medical professional such as a urologist. Patients should expect to encounter the following steps during the examination:
- Review of medical history
- Detailed questions about symptoms, daily activities, and complications
- Full physical examination, typically including palpation of the non-erect penis
- You may be asked to take a photo of your erect penis to help with the evaluation
- Diagnostic testing, such as ultrasound, can help detect scar tissue formation and measure blood flow
Upon diagnosis, you can then work to develop a personalized treatment plan for your unique situation.
Peyronie’s Disease Treatments
It is possible to manage Peyronie’s disease with treatment. Conventional options, including medications, injections into the plaque, traction and surgery, help many men with this diagnosis. Some men who haven’t been helped by these options consider an investigational approach: stem cell and acoustic wave treatment for Peyronie’s disease in Dallas. Because the condition often affects erections, you may also want to read how Peyronie’s disease relates to erectile dysfunction.
Questions About Peyronie’s Disease?
If you’re dealing with Peyronie’s disease, our team can help you understand your options and decide on next steps. Dr. Bill Johnson has offered stem cell therapy at Innovations since late 2012. To find out whether treatment is right for you, call us at (972) 893-9849 or schedule an appointment.
