Maybe you first learned about Peyronie’s Disease from TV ads, but it is a common men’s health condition that is often underdiagnosed. Peyronie’s disease can cause penile pain, curvature and embarrassment but you don’t need to suffer in silence.
How Does Peyronie’s Disease Develop?
Peyronie’s Disease begins with a build up of scar tissue within the penis. This may be a result of chronic build up (almost like arthritis) or a traumatic event. This scar tissue causes the penis to bend, curve, or lose length or girth. This scar tissue, known as plaque, is non-cancerous, does not cause infertility, but can cause pain. It is estimated that the condition goes undetected in up to 23% of men.
Signs Of Peyronie’s Disease
It is important to know the early signs of Peyronie’s Disease to get an early diagnosis and be treated.
- With Peyronie’s Disease the penis will bend or curve up, down, or side to side during an erection depending where the scar tissue develops.
- Another type of deformity is a narrowing of the penis and indentions like an hourglass shape.
- In most cases the scars will form on the top of the penis causing it to curve upwards. If the scars are near the bottom of the penis, it will bend downward, and if the scars are one the side, the penis can bend side to side. If the scars are on both the top and bottom of the shaft, the penis can be dented or become shorter.
- There may be pain both during an erection and if the penis is in its natural shape.
- It can make sexual activity difficult and is associated with ED.
Treatment
How Dr. Pranav Dadhich treats Peyronie’s Disease depends on the severity and stage of the condition.
The acute stage is when the first signs appear, and this can be an optimal time for diagnosis and initial treatment. Typically in the acute stage of the disease, I’ll recommend oral medications that aim to improve blood flow and curb inflammation as well as the use of a traction device..
During the chronic stage, the changes stop and scar tissue becomes stable. Sometimes physicians will conduct “watchful waiting” with the patient checking in regularly to decide about treatment. This can include either penile injections to help dissolve the scar tissue or surgical intervention. The type of intervention recommended is dependent on a patient’s particular characteristics.
Schedule a Peyronie’s Disease Appointment in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Don’t wait to contact Dr. Pranav Dadhich in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX if you think you are having any early signs of Peyronie’s Disease. Call (817) 784-8268 to schedule a visit.
Sources:
Peyronie’s disease – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
Peyronie’s Disease: What Is It, Treatment & Causes (clevelandclinic.org)