What Is Peyronie’s Disease and How Does It Affect Men?

Peyronie’s disease is a condition that affects approximately 1 in 11 men, yet many remain unaware of its impact on male health and intimate relationships. This connective tissue disorder of the penis can cause significant physical and emotional distress, but with proper understanding and treatment, men can regain confidence and sexual function.

At St. Pete Urology, our board-certified urologists—Dr. Reid Graves, Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis, Dr. Adam Oppenheim, and Dr. Ankur Shah—specialize in diagnosing and treating Peyronie’s disease with compassion and expertise, helping men in the Tampa Bay area overcome this challenging condition.

What Is Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease is an acquired connective tissue disorder that affects the tunica albuginea, the thick elastic membrane surrounding the erectile chambers of the penis. According to the American Urological Association, the condition is characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue or plaques within this membrane, which can cause the penis to curve, bend, or become shorter during erections.

Named after François Gigot de la Peyronie, the French surgeon who first described the condition in 1743, this disease represents an abnormal wound healing process that results in excessive collagen deposition and plaque formation. Unlike congenital penile curvature, Peyronie’s disease develops later in life and typically progresses through two distinct phases.

Symptoms and How It Affects Men

The symptoms of Peyronie’s disease can vary significantly from man to man, but typically include:

Physical Symptoms

• Penile curvature during erections – The most common presentation, occurring in over 70% of cases, involves upward curvature when scar tissue develops on the top of the penis
• Palpable plaques or lumps – Hard areas of scar tissue that can be felt under the skin of the penis
• Penile pain – Especially during erections, though this typically subsides as the condition stabilizes
• Penile shortening – Loss of length or girth due to scar tissue formation
• Hourglass deformity – Narrowing of the penile shaft creating an indented appearance
• Erectile dysfunction – Difficulty achieving or maintaining erections, affecting up to 40% of men with Peyronie’s disease

Psychological Impact

Research indicates that Peyronie’s disease can have profound psychological effects, including:

• Depression and anxiety
• Decreased self-esteem and body image concerns
• Relationship difficulties and decreased sexual satisfaction
• Avoidance of intimate relationships
• Increased stress and emotional distress

The emotional impact often extends beyond the patient, affecting partners and relationships. Many men experience embarrassment and reluctance to discuss their symptoms, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact etiology of Peyronie’s disease remains unclear, medical experts believe it results from a combination of factors. Research from the National Institute of Health indicates that the condition involves an abnormal wound healing process:

Primary Causes

• Penile trauma – The most widely accepted theory suggests that micro-injuries to the penis during sexual activity, sports, or accidents trigger abnormal wound healing
• Genetic predisposition – Family history plays a role, with some men having inherited tendencies toward abnormal connective tissue formation
• Autoimmune factors – The body’s immune system may mistakenly attack penile tissue, leading to inflammation and scarring

Risk Factors

According to recent studies, several factors increase the likelihood of developing Peyronie’s disease:

• Age – Most commonly affects men between 40-70 years old, with risk increasing with age
• Connective tissue disorders – Including Dupuytren’s contracture, which affects up to 20% of men with Peyronie’s disease
• Diabetes mellitus – Men with diabetes-associated ED have a 4-5 times higher risk
• Erectile dysfunction – Pre-existing ED may contribute to penile trauma during sexual activity
• Smoking and alcohol use – These factors may impair healing and increase inflammation
• Certain medications – Some drugs may affect connective tissue formation

Diagnosis and When to See a Urologist

Early diagnosis and treatment of Peyronie’s disease are crucial for optimal outcomes. Men should seek evaluation from a qualified urologist if they experience:

• New onset of penile curvature or deformity
• Palpable lumps or plaques in the penis
• Pain during erections
• Difficulty with sexual intercourse due to penile changes
• Concerns about penile appearance or function

Diagnostic Process

At St. Pete Urology, our comprehensive evaluation includes:

Medical History

• Detailed discussion of symptoms, onset, and progression
• Assessment of sexual function and relationship impact
• Review of relevant medical conditions and medications
• Family history evaluation

Physical Examination

• Careful inspection and palpation of the penis
• Assessment of plaque location, size, and consistency
• Evaluation of penile sensation and blood flow

Diagnostic Testing

• Penile ultrasound – The gold standard for visualizing plaques, measuring curvature, and assessing blood flow
• Doppler studies – To evaluate erectile function and vascular health
• Photography – Documentation of penile deformity for treatment planning
• Questionnaires – Standardized assessments of sexual function and quality of life

Treatment Options Available

Treatment for Peyronie’s disease depends on several factors, including disease phase, severity of symptoms, and impact on sexual function. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that early intervention often yields better outcomes. At St. Pete Urology, we offer comprehensive treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Oral Medications
While evidence is limited, some oral therapies may help in the early stages:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Vitamin E supplementation
• Pentoxifylline for improving blood flow

Intralesional Injection Therapy

• Xiaflex (collagenase) – The only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment for Peyronie’s disease, administered in office cycles
• Verapamil injections – May help reduce plaque formation and improve curvature
• Steroid injections – Can reduce inflammation and pain during the acute phase

Mechanical Therapy

• Penile traction devices – May help improve length and reduce curvature when used consistently
• Vacuum erection devices – Can help maintain penile health and potentially reduce progression

Surgical Treatments

For men with stable disease causing significant functional impairment, surgical intervention may be recommended:

Penile Plication

• Shortening the longer side of the penis to correct curvature
• Preserves erectile function with minimal complications
• Best suited for men with good erectile function and adequate penile length

Incision and Grafting

• Lengthening the curved side by incising the plaque and placing a graft
• Preserves penile length but carries higher risks
• May be combined with penile implant placement

Penile Implant Surgery

• Recommended for men with both Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction
• Can correct curvature while restoring erectile function
• May involve additional procedures to optimize penile straightening

Advanced Treatment Options

St. Pete Urology stays at the forefront of Peyronie’s disease treatment, offering:

• da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery for precise reconstruction
• Minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time
• Penile prosthetics and implant procedures when indicated
• Combination therapies for optimal outcomes

Living with Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease affects not just physical function but emotional well-being and relationships. Our team at St. Pete Urology understands these challenges and provides:

• Comprehensive counseling and support
• Partner education and involvement in treatment planning
• Referrals to mental health professionals when appropriate
• Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans

Prognosis and Outlook

The natural history of Peyronie’s disease varies significantly:

• Approximately 20% of cases may improve spontaneously
• 40% stabilize without progression
• 40% may worsen without treatment

Early intervention during the acute phase (first 12-18 months) often yields better outcomes and may prevent the need for surgical intervention.

Conclusion

Peyronie’s disease is a common but often misunderstood condition that can significantly impact a man’s quality of life and relationships. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment from experienced urologists, most men can achieve significant improvement in their symptoms and sexual function.

At St. Pete Urology, our board-certified specialists combine clinical expertise with compassionate care to help men overcome the challenges of Peyronie’s disease. We offer comprehensive evaluation, advanced treatment options, and personalized care plans designed to restore confidence and improve quality of life.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Peyronie’s disease or have concerns about penile health, don’t suffer in silence. Contact St. Pete Urology at (727) 478-1172 to schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced urological team. Located at 830 Central Ave, Suite 100, St. Petersburg, FL, we proudly serve men throughout the Tampa Bay area with state-of-the-art urological care.

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References:

1. Bella, A. J., Perelman, M. A., Brant, W. O., & Lue, T. F. (2007). Peyronie’s disease (CME). Journal of Sexual Medicine, 4(6), 1527-1538. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2007.00614.x
2. Mulhall, J. P., Creech, S. D., Boorjian, S. A., Ghaly, S., Kim, E. D., & Moty, A. (2004). Subjective and objective analysis of the prevalence of Peyronie’s disease in a population of men presenting for prostate cancer screening. Journal of Urology, 171(6), 2350-2353
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). Penile curvature (Peyronie’s disease). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/penile-curvature-peyronies-disease
4. Nehra, A., Alterowitz, R., Culkin, D. J., Faraday, M. M., Hakim, L. S., Heidelbaugh, J. J., … & Burnett, A. L. (2015). Peyronie’s disease: AUA guideline. American Urological Association. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/peyronies-disease-guideline