Peyronie's Disease
When it comes to men's health, there are many diseases that can affect not just their physical health but also their emotional and mental health. One of these is Peyronie's disease, which is not very common but can affect the way the penis curves when a man has an erection. Here we are going to examine the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this disease. This guide may resolve all of your queries and help you to understand this problem.
What is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie's disease is a condition where scar tissue (plaque) in your penis, makes the penis bend and curve, losing length or width. As scar tissue grows, you might be able to feel it through your skin or feel pain in a certain part of your penis. Depending on where your scar is located, your penis may bend up, down, or to the side when you have an erection. Accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment strategies suited to control symptoms and improve quality of life are possible only through consultation with a urologist.
Causes of Peyronie’s Disease
It is usually caused by damage to the erect penis and strange bends during sexual activity, it can leave a lot of scars. These changes may be caused by small, unnoticed cuts that happen during normal sexual activity.
Some other causes of peyronie’s disease:
- Genetics: Genetic predisposition might make some individuals more susceptible to developing Peyronie's disease.
- Trauma or Injury: Repetitive or sudden injury to the penis, often during sexual activity, can trigger inflammation and scar tissue formation.
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions affecting collagen or other connective tissues could contribute to plaque formation.
- Age: The risk increases with age, possibly due to cumulative penile injuries.
- Autoimmune Response: An abnormal immune response might lead to inflammation and plaque development.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s disease
The main symptom of Peyronie’s disease is a curve or bend in your penis. It's also possible that you'll be able to feel scar tissue (plaque), if it's there. Plaque makes tunica albuginea stiff, which may cause penis to bend upwards.
Peyronie's disease also has these other symptoms:
- Shortening of the male reproductive organ.
- Shaft thinness, manifesting as an indentation.
- You have penile lumps.
- Intense erection pain.
- Softer erections.
- Both you and your lover are having trouble having sex.
- Dyspareunia is pain felt during sexual activity.
How is Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosis?
If you suspect you have Peyronie's disease, you should see a doctor first. And then your medical history, current physical condition, and maybe imaging examinations all of these things will be taken seriously during the tests.
- Physical Examination: The physical examination will reveal the degree to which the curve has progressed, the quantity and position of plaques, and whether or not there is any pain.
- Other test: The appearance of the spots and their effect on penis blood flow can be better visualized with the help of imaging tests like ultrasonography.
Treatment Options Availabe for Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie's disease can be treated in different ways, depending on the symptoms and quality of life of the person being treated. Here are some types of medicine that could be tried:
- Medications: Medicine or injections (collagenase) can help reduce plaque and improve curvature.
- Shockwave Therapy: Low-intensity shock waves may break down plaques and promote healing.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options like plication (shortening one side of the penis), grafting, or implanting a penile prosthesis may be considered.
- Penile Traction Devices: Wearing these devices can gradually stretch the penis, reducing curvature.
Conclusion
Peyronie's disease can cause physical and emotional problems, but people can make better choices about their health if they know what causes it, how to recognize its symptoms, and what treatments are available. If you think you have Peyronie's disease or are already taking steps to treat that, then it's important to talk to a doctor who specializes in sexual health.
