Peyronie's Disease and Its Treatment
Peyronie’s disease, which can cause penile curvature in older men, is a medical condition characterized by the formation of scar tissue—known as “plaques”—in the elastic capsule surrounding the tubular structures responsible for erection. Peyronie’s disease is classified into two stages based on its progression: the acute and chronic stages. In the acute phase, since plaque formation has not yet become apparent, the progression of the disease can be halted with medication; however, in the chronic phase, surgical intervention is required for treatment. Depending on the location of the plaques, this condition can cause the penis to curve upward, downward, or to the side, leading to erectile dysfunction, pain during sexual intercourse, and performance anxiety. For this reason, surgical intervention is essential for treating Peyronie’s disease in the chronic stage.
What Is Peyronie's Disease?
There are three tubular structures within the penis. One of these is the urethra; this tube allows semen to be expelled from the body through the penis during ejaculation and urine to be expelled during urination. The other two tubes are spongy tissues called the “corpora cavernosa,” which fill with blood during an erection to cause the penis to become erect. These two structures within the penis are covered by a flexible sheath called the “tunica albuginea.” The hard plaques that form within this sheath and can be felt when the skin of the penis is touched characterize Peyronie’s disease.
Peyronie's disease differs from congenital penile curvature in terms of the age of onset and the mechanism of development. This condition, which typically develops in later life, is caused not by developmental abnormalities in the tubular structures but by hard plaques that form in the tunica albuginea.
Causes of Peyronie's Disease
Although the exact cause of Peyronie’s disease—which affects 6 to 10 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70—is unknown, certain risk factors may contribute to the condition:
- Advancing age
- Genetic factors
- Trauma to the pelvic region
- Tobacco use
- Connective Tissue Disorders
- Erectile dysfunction (especially caused by diabetes)
- Traditional surgical techniques for the treatment of prostate cancer
- Autoimmune disorders
Symptoms of Peyronie's Disease
The main symptoms of Peyronie's disease include the formation of hard plaques in the penis and penile curvature. In addition to these:
- Pain during an erection
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Decrease in Penis Length
- Symptoms such as difficulty with vaginal penetration may also occur.
Diagnosis of Peyronie's Disease
Men who exhibit symptoms of Peyronie's disease should consult a urologist or andrologist. In most cases, a physical examination and medical history are sufficient for diagnosis; detailed imaging is rarely necessary.
How Is Congenital Penile Curvature Treated?
For individuals experiencing sexual and psychological distress due to penile curvature, medication or other methods are ineffective. The only solution is surgical correction. The “penile plication surgery,” performed under general anesthesia, is widely preferred for the treatment of this condition. The surgery aims to correct the curvature of the penile tissues. The surgeon ensures they remain straight by balancing the asymmetrical growth in the penile tissues.
Conclusion
Issues such as penile curvature and other penile deformities that affect sexual health and quality of life can now be successfully treated with advanced medical methods. The treatment of Peyronie’s disease and other sexual dysfunction conditions is possible with accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches.