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| Peyronie's Disease |
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| What is Peyronie's disease? |
- Peyronie's disease is characterized by a plaque, or hard lump, that
forms on the erection tissue of the penis. The plaque often begins as
an inflammation that may develop into a fibrous tissue. Peyronie's disease
was first described in 1743 by a French surgeon, François de la Peyronie.
It was classified as a form of impotence. However, now impotence is
recognized as one of the factors associated with the Peyronie's disease,
but it is not always present.
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| What causes Peyronie's disease? |
| Some researchers believe Peyronie's disease develops
following a trauma that causes bleeding inside the penis. This trauma may
explain acute cases of Peyronie's disease, but does not explain why most
cases develop slowly, or what causes the disease after no apparent traumatic
event. Generally, when the disease heals within a year or so, the plaque
does not advance beyond an initial inflammatory phase. But, when the disease
lasts for years, the plaque often becomes a tough fibrous tissue, and calcium
deposits may form. |
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| What are the symptoms of Peyronie's disease? |
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The plaque in Peyronie's disease is benign, or noncancerous
- Plaque on the top of the shaft, which is the most common condition,
causes the penis to bend upward.
- Plaque on the underside causes the penis to bend downward.
- In cases where the plaque develops on both top and bottom, indentation
and shortening of the penis may occur.
- Pain, bending, and emotional distress can prohibit sexual intercourse.
- Painful erections may occur.
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| What is the treatment for Peyronie's disease? |
| In general, the aim of treatment is to keep the
patient with Peyronie's disease sexually active. Providing education about
the disease and its course is often included in the treatment plan. A treatment
protocol will be established by the doctor, based on the severity of the
condition, and may include any/all of the following: |
- No treatment (Peyronie's disease often occurs in a mild form that
heals without treatment in 6 to 15 months.)
- Prescribing or continuing palliative methods
- Surgery
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| This page was last modified on July 06, 2001 |
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