How to identify if you have a Peyronie’s disease?

Signs & symptoms at a glance…

History and background

Generally speaking, Peyronie’s disease refers to the presence of scar tissue in the penis. The condition is so called as it was first described by a French surgeon Francois Peyronie about 250 years ago. Today, according to the generally accepted estimates, Peyronie’s affects millions of men usually beginning in their 50’s. The plaque forms from a lifetime of small injuries or tears.  These injuries heal by forming exaggerated plaques, which result in the Peyronie’s disease.  Men who form abnormal scar tissue elsewhere in the body are more susceptible to develop a Peyronie’s plaque.

How Peyronie’s disease develops?

The scar tissue, or Peyronie’s Plaque, forms in the wall of the tissue that surrounds the corpus cavernosum. That is, a plaque forms in the “canvas” (tunica albuginea) that wraps the erectile tissues. This plaque is a flat plate of scar tissue that actually develops on the top or bottom side of the penis inside a thick membrane called the

Signs & symptoms of Peyronie’s disease

The severity, progression and resolution of various signs and symptoms of Peyronie’s disease are variable and vary from person to person.  Symptoms may develop slowly or appear overnight.

In a follow-up study of 97 men, 40% reported a worsening of their signs and symptoms over time. However, in 47%, the disease had stabilized after resolution of the inflammatory process, and, in 13%, symptoms had even disappeared spontaneously.

As mentioned above, in Peyronie’s disease, a plaque or hard lump forms in the tissue of the penis. However, it is not 100% confirmed that what actually causes the disease. Some experts believe that it could be some hidden trauma or injury but it is not always confirmed.  The plaque makes the penis less flexible, causing pain and making the penis bend when it is erect. For the same reason, many men with Peyronie’s disease have sexual problems because they cannot get or maintain a normal erection. Patients also usually have increasingly painful erection and deviation of the penis. Similarly, in many other cases, these plaques can also cause pain with erection and curvature of the penis.  

In many men, the pain decreases over time, but the bend in the penis may remain a problem, making sexual intercourse difficult. The sexual problems that result can disrupt a couple’s physical and emotional relationship and can lower a man’s self-esteem.

Does Peyronie’s disease cause erectile dysfunction?

Unfortunately, yes, as Peyronie’s disease will not only cause abnormal shape / curvature of your penis but will also prevent blood flow beyond the plaque resulting in erectile dysfunction.  Correcting the plaque will improve potency. 

Can the signs & symptoms resolve on their own?

If you don’t get any treatment at all, spontaneous improvement is very rare.  However, after one year, about 2/3rd of the men do not get any worse and remain stable.  However, on the other hand, 1/3rd of men may have worsening of the signs & symptoms, eventually leading to potential complications.

Based on the above discussion and clinical features, it can be concluded that Peyronie’s disease is, in fact, a serious issue that can lead to severe deformity, abnormal shape, erectile dysfunction and many other sexual health problems in men. It is, therefore, crucial to address the problem as early as possible. As surgery and medical drug treatment options for Peyronie’s disease are not free from side effects and risks, you can always choose another option.