Do you experience painful or difficult erections? Have you noticed a bend developing in your penis? You may have a condition known has Peyronie’s disease, which may develop very quickly or gradually over months or years. Not much is known about the cause of Peyronie’s disease or the risk factors, although it becomes more common as men age and may have something to do with injury to the penis that results in a buildup of blood.
Peyronie’s disease is the result of a buildup of plaque (collagen and scar tissue) in the penis that causes the penis to bend. The plaque may build up anywhere along the shaft of the penis, although the lump usually develops on the upper side of the penis.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
Not sure if you have Peyronie’s disease? The disease is very different than natural curvature of the penis. The following are the classic symptoms of the condition.
- One of several lumps that can be felt under the skin. This lump may feel soft and become hard over time.
- The plaque buildup is scar tissue so it will not stretch like normal penis tissue. The affected area of the penis may not expand during an erection.
- Shortening of the penis during erection or deformity. While curvature is the most common penile deformity associated with the disease, the plaque development may also cause shortening of the penis, an indentation, or an hourglass narrowing. The shape of the penis during an erection will depend on the size of the plaque as well as the location, as the penis will bend towards the side with the plaque.
- Pain is a common symptom of Peyronie’s disease, particularly as the condition worsens over time. Over 50% of men with Peyronie’s experience pain, with or without an erection. While pain is most common during an erection, you may feel pain at any time due to inflammation.
- Erectile dysfunction can also be a result of Peyronie’s disease. About 65% of men with the condition experience ED due to curvature, physical changes that prevent normal function, pain during an erection, and anxiety.
Treating Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease is an acquired condition that develops over time. There are a few treatment options available for the condition, including prescription medication and, in very serious cases, surgery. Both of these treatment options come with serious side effects and risks.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a holistic approach to treating Peyronie’s disease. PRP therapy involves injecting PRP from your own blood into the penis to concentrate your body’s healing factors into the penis to break down the plaque and prompt the growth of normal penile tissue. PRP therapy is a safe and effective treatment that can reverse the curvature of the penis to some degree and potentially increase the length and girth of the penis. While results can take a few weeks, PRP injections do not have any side effects and do not require the use of any medication aside from a numbing agent.