About 1 in 11 men have Peyronie’s disease, but only about 1% of men are diagnosed with the condition. Peyronie’s disease causes scar tissue to form inside the penis. At Atlas Men’s Clinic, our experienced urologists and their teams provide minimally invasive treatment for Peyronie’s disease. Make an appointment by calling one of our offices in Los Angeles or San Diego, or using the online booking feature to learn more about the available treatments for Peyronie’s disease.
Peyronie's Disease Q&A
What is Peyronie’s disease?
Peyronie’s disease is a painful condition that causes scar tissue to form inside your penis. As this scar tissue builds up, it causes your penis to curve, changing its size, appearance, and girth.
If your penis curves when erect, you don’t necessarily have Peyronie’s disease. Still, get it checked out if you experience pain during sex.
What are the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease?
The symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include:
- Noticeable curve or bend in your penis
- Painful erections
- Lumps in your penis
- Loss of girth
- Difficulty having sex
Depending on where the scar tissue is, you might also experience an hourglass-shaped indentation in your penis.
Who is at risk of Peyronie’s disease?
Anyone with a penis can develop Peyronie’s disease, but several things can increase your risk, including:
- Being middle-aged or older
- Having a family member with the condition
- Having a connective tissue disorder, like scleroderma
- Having erectile dysfunction (ED)
You’re also more likely to get Peyronie’s disease if you’ve had prostate cancer.
How is Peyronie’s disease diagnosed?
To diagnose Peyronie’s disease, your Atlas Men’s Clinic provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. They’ll need to know when you noticed the curve in your penis and if having sex is difficult or painful.
Next, your provider completes a physical exam. They might inject medication into your penis to trigger an erection. If that doesn’t give your provider enough information to come up with a diagnosis, they’ll order an ultrasound to look for blocked blood vessels and/or calcium buildup in your penis.
How is Peyronie’s disease treated?
How your Peyronie’s disease is treated will depend on several things, including how severe your symptoms are and their effect on your sex life. If the curve in your penis isn’t painful, the Atlas Men’s Clinic team might recommend a “wait and watch” approach.
If your symptoms affect your ability to have sex, your provider could recommend traction therapy to reduce the bend in your penis or prescription medication. Several drugs are used to treat Peyronie’s disease, including:
- Pain medications to reduce inflammation
- Tadalafil to improve blood flow to your penis
- Colchicine, an anti-inflammatory medicine that reduces swelling
- Potassium amino-benzoate, a vitamin that reduces plaque size
The team also administers penis injections to control scarring and swelling.
What Causes Peyronie's Disease?
Peyronie's disease is characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis. This tissue causes curved, painful erections.
The exact cause is not fully understood. However, it is often linked to trauma or injury to the penis. The trauma might occur during sex, physical activities, or accidents.
Can Peyronie's Disease Resolve Without Treatment?
In some cases, Peyronie's disease can improve without intervention. Studies show that about 10-15% of men may experience spontaneous improvement over time. However, the condition can also worsen or stabilize.
Early medical evaluation from a board-certified urologist is crucial to determine the best course of action. It also minimizes potential complications.
Can Lifestyle Changes Help Manage Peyronie's Disease?
Lifestyle changes can help patients manage Peyronie's disease and prevent symptoms from worsening. Examples include:
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
Using protective measures during sexual activity (such as lubricants and adjusting positions) can also prevent further injury to the penis.
What Are the Early Signs of Peyronie's Disease?
Early signs of Peyronie's disease often include:
- A noticeable bend or curve when the penis is erect
- Lumps or hard areas under the skin
- Penile pain
- Erectile dysfunction or shortening of the penis (in some cases)
These symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly. Recognizing them sooner can help in seeking timely medical advice and intervention.
How Does Peyronie's Disease Affect Sexual Well-Being?
Peyronie's disease can significantly impact sexual function. The associated curvature and pain can make intercourse difficult or uncomfortable. In some cases, it may lead to erectile dysfunction. The psychological impact of these changes can also affect sexual desire and performance, leading to increased stress and anxiety.
Is Peyronie's Disease Hereditary?
The exact cause of Peyronie's disease is unclear. However, there is evidence suggesting a hereditary component. Men with a family history of the condition or other connective tissue disorders have a higher risk of developing it.
Can Peyronie's Disease Be a Sign of Other Underlying Issues?
Yes, Peyronie's disease can be a sign of other underlying health problems. It is often associated with systemic connective tissue disorders, such as Dupuytren's contracture. Dupuytren’s contracture causes abnormal thickening of the tissues in the hand.
Additionally, men with Peyronie's disease are more likely to have other issues, such as diabetes, which can influence blood flow and tissue health. The presence of Peyronie's disease might also indicate vascular illnesses. These disorders can affect erectile function and overall cardiovascular health.
Why Choose Atlas Men’s Clinic?
Working with the physicians at Atlas Men's Clinic means receiving specialized care from experts in sexual health conditions, including erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and Peyronie's disease. Our partnership with nationally recognized urologists ensures you get access to top-tier medical expertise. With clinics in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Bakersfield, we are conveniently located to serve you.
No matter which location you visit, you can rest easy knowing you’ll receive care in a warm, welcoming, and spa-like environment. Our goal is to make your treatment experience as comfortable as possible. We prioritize your well-being, offering personalized and compassionate care to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Make an appointment at Atlas Men’s Clinic to explore the treatments for Peyronie’s disease. Call the office or use the online booking feature today.
