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Understanding Peyronie's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Peyronie's disease is a condition that affects the penis, causing it to bend or curve when erect. This happens due to the formation of scar tissue, called plaque, inside the penis. While most men with Peyronie's disease can still have sex, some may experience pain and erectile dysfunction.
What Causes Peyronie's Disease?
The exact cause of Peyronie's disease is not known, but researchers believe it may be linked to:
Trauma or injury to the penis, causing bleeding inside
Genetic factors
A combination of injury and genetic factors
Some medications list Peyronie's disease as a possible side effect, but there is no proof that these drugs cause the condition.
Who Gets Peyronie's Disease?
Peyronie's disease can affect men of all ages, but it is most common in middle-aged men. The risk of developing the condition increases with age, but it is not a normal part of aging.
Symptoms of Peyronie's Disease
Symptoms of Peyronie's disease may develop slowly or appear suddenly. When the penis is soft, the problem may not be noticeable. However, when erect, the penis may:
Bend or curve
Cause pain
Feel hard or lumpy due to the scar tissue
In some cases, men with Peyronie's disease may also develop scar tissue in other parts of the body, such as the hands or feet.
Diagnosing Peyronie's Disease
To diagnose Peyronie's disease, your doctor will:
Ask about your symptoms and any injuries to the penis
Perform a physical exam to feel for hardened tissue
May inject medication to cause an erection for better examination
Possibly order an X-ray, ultrasound, or biopsy of the penis
Treatment Options for Peyronie's Disease
Treatment for Peyronie's disease may not always be necessary, especially in mild cases or if the condition does not interfere with sexual activity. When treatment is needed, options may include:
Oral medications, such as pentoxifylline or potassium para-aminobenzoate (Potaba)
Injections of verapamil or collagenase (Xiaflex) into the scar tissue
Surgery to remove the plaque and graft tissue in its place, or to alter the tissue on the opposite side of the penis to counter the bending effect
Penile prosthesis implantation for men with both Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) to soften and reduce the plaque
In most cases, the pain associated with Peyronie's disease will fade on its own within 6 to 18 months as the inflammation subsides. If you suspect you have Peyronie's disease, consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
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