Penile Curvature

Peyronie’s disease develops when scar tissue accumulates inside your penis, causing a distinct curve that’s more noticeable when you have an erection. Erections occur when tissues inside your penis become engorged with blood.

If you have scar tissue, however, that area of your penis can’t enlarge or stretch like the surrounding tissues. As a result, your erection bends around the scar tissue.

Peyronie’s disease doesn’t always appear as a curvature. In some men, the scar tissue may cause indentations or an hourglass shape.

In addition to your curved penis, Peyronie’s disease is often painful. The curve can make erections and sexual intercourse painful. In severe cases, you may have pain even when you don’t have an erection. Peyronie’s often leads to erectile dysfunction. Some men may also notice hard lumps on the sides of their penis.

The scarring arises from inflammation that’s caused by an injury to your penis or an underlying health condition. Ongoing inflammation then leads to tissue damage and scarring.

After scar tissue is created, the curvature may stabilize over the next 12-18 months. During this time, your initial pain may improve, but erectile dysfunction may develop or get worse.

Your risk of developing Peyronie’s disease may be higher if you have:

• A family history of Peyronie’s disease
• Diabetes and erectile dysfunction
• A history of prostate cancer
• Certain connective tissue or autoimmune disorders
  

Men who engage in vigorous sexual or nonsexual activities such as sports may develop Peyronie’s disease. This happens when your penis is hit or bent, which causes micro-injuries in the penis.

During an evaluation, your Gulf Coast Urology provider asks about your medical and sexual history. Then they examine your penis for signs of scarring or lumps. In some cases, your doctor may need to evaluate your penis while it is flaccid and erect. They accomplish this with an injectable medicine that causes an erection.

Treatment for Peyronie’s disease focuses on relieving pain, straightening your penis, and restoring your ability to have sexual intercourse.  

When your symptoms persist despite conservative therapies, your Gulf Coast Urology provider may recommend surgery to remove the scar tissue and straighten your penis.

If you have Peyronie’s disease, expert help is available at Gulf Coast Urology. Call one of the offices or schedule an appointment online today.