Peyronie's Disease

What is Peyronie’s disease?

Peyronie’s disease occurs when scar tissue builds up inside your penis, causing pain and a distinct curve that becomes more pronounced when you have an erection. When you get an erection, blood flows into your penis, engorging the spongy chambers. The scar tissue associated with Peyronie’s disease doesn’t swell or stretch, and your erection bends around the scar tissue.

You may be able to feel the lumps of scar tissue under the skin of your penis. The bend in your penis can tilt in any direction, or your penis may narrow or develop indentations or an hourglass shape.

Peyronie’s disease can cause erectile dysfunction, and in some cases, the bend may be so severe that it prevents intercourse. The scar tissue can also cause penile pain, regardless of whether you have an erection.

What causes Peyronie’s disease?

The causes of Peyronie’s disease aren’t fully understood. However, most physicians and medical researchers believe the scar tissue develops as a result of inflammation in the spongy tissue of the penis. An injury could cause inflammation to the penis during sex, an athletic activity, or an accident.

Your risk of Peyronie’s disease is higher if you have a family member who also has the condition or another connective tissue disorder. Your risk also increases as you age.

How is Peyronie’s disease treated?

The team at Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists offers treatment for Peyronie’s disease with the goal of alleviating any pain and restoring your ability to have sexual intercourse. Your doctor may recommend Xiaflex® - a medication injected directly into the peyronie’s lesion - to address the scar plaques and reduce penile curvature

Depending on the severity of your condition, your physician may suggest a surgical treatment such as plication surgery or grafting surgery.

Plication surgery shortens the side of your penis opposite the curve to straighten your penis, and it has very low rates of subsequent erectile dysfunction.

Grafting surgery involves removing the scar tissue and then grafting a piece of healthy tissue in its place. This procedure is useful for more severe curves.

The team at Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists can also provide an implanted penile prosthesis that corrects both Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction.

If you’re concerned about Peyronie’s disease and want to learn about your treatment options, call Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists or schedule a consultation online today.