Peyronie’s disease doesn’t have to be a life sentence.

It’s not uncommon for men to have a curved erection. However, if the curvature is a relatively new development that causes pain with or without an erection, you may have a medical condition known as Peyronie’s disease. Peyronie’s disease occurs when scar tissue (aka, plaque) builds up in the blood vessels of the penis, causing the penis to shorten in length, curve, or bend, usually (but not always) during an erection.

Symptoms:

  • Hard lumps that can be felt under the skin of the penis.
  • A bend to the penis (upward, downward, or to either side).
  • Difficulty getting or keeping an erection.
  • The penis appears shorter in length.
  • Pain in the penis (with or without an erection).
  • Other penis deformities, such as narrowing or indentations.

Peyronie’s disease rarely goes away on its own and can worsen without proper medical attention. At the onset of symptoms, patients may feel pain without an erection and increasing pain with an erection. As scar tissue continues to build, deformities may be seen or felt. Some men can develop erectile dysfunction (ED) resulting from pain or deformation.

Symptoms associated with Peyronie’s disease can progress for as long as three to 12 months before stabilizing. However, if caught early enough, Dr. Lowe may be able to prevent the disease from getting worse and significantly reduce or alleviate symptoms. For this reason, we recommend seeking professional medical attention as soon as possible.

What causes Peyronie’s disease?

The cause of Peyronie’s disease is still unknown. However, experts believe several factors may be involved, including pre-existing conditions and hereditary traits.

Contributing Factors:
  • Rough sexual or non-sexual activities.
  • Repeated injury to the penis.
  • Trauma from athletic activity or an accident.
Risk Factors:
  • Family History of Peyronie’s
  • Aging
  • Diabetes-Associated ED
  • Prostate Cancer Surgery
  • Autoimmune Disorders

How will Dr. Lowe diagnose Peyronie’s disease?

Treatment will begin with a thorough assessment, including a physical exam and complete medical history. Dr. Lowe can usually detect scar tissue in a non-erect penis. If an erection is necessary, you will be given an injectable medicine that causes the penis to become erect. Further testing is seldom needed. However, Dr. Lowe may recommend imaging tests to verify specifics about the nature and location of the scar tissue or plaque build-up causing symptoms.

How will Dr. Lowe treat Peyronie’s disease?

Lowe Urology in Columbus, Ohio offers the most advanced treatment options available for Peyronie’s disease. We understand that asking for help with such a private matter can be difficult or embarrassing for men, and promise to treat your case with the utmost sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect.
Treatment Options Include:
  • Oral Medication
  • Topical Therapies
  • Injection Therapy
  • Repair Surgery
  • Penile Prosthesis
Dr. Lowe will work closely with you to create a treatment plan to reduce pain, correct or improve deformities, and restore sexual performance. Treatment plans begin with the least invasive therapies, including oral and topical medications. In severe cases, Peyronie’s repair surgery or the placement of a penile prosthesis may be necessary.

Peyronie’s Repair Surgery

Depending on your condition, Dr. Lowe may recommend a procedure to shorten the side of the penis opposite the curvature, elongate the curved side of the penis, or implant a prosthetic device. All three surgical interventions aim to straighten the penis and enable the patient to achieve a full erection while reducing pain and preventing the condition from worsening. Peyronie’s repair surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Most patients return home the same day and will be asked to limit activity for five days following surgery. Patients can typically resume sexual activity within 4-5 weeks.

Don’t wait to get the care you need.