About Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease is defined as an acquired abnormality of the penis that results from scar formation.  Men with Peyronie’s disease may experience pain, deformity of the penis, erectile dysfunction and or distress.  Each case of Peyronie’s disease is unique with some men noticing only a slight curve to their penis that does not interfere with sex, while others report curvature that makes sex impossible.

• Is Peyronie’s disease common?

  New evidence suggests that far more men are living with Peyronie’s disease than we thought.  Since the severity of the disease can be so different from one man to another, some men seek care while others do not.  Because of this, Peyronie’s disease is likely even more common.

• What causes Peyronie’s disease?

  It is thought that repetitive microvascular (small blood vessel) trauma, such as that associated with buckling of the penis during intercourse, leads to scar formation. Most men, however, do not remember any one instance when trauma to the penis occurred. It is this trauma (whether major or minor) that leads to an inflammatory process that results in scar tissue.  The severity of disease depends on where and how much scar forms. Many believe that decreased blood flow to the penis caused by other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can make matters worse. While a small percentage of men will experience some improvement in their penile curvature, the majority of men will see either no change or worsening of their curvature over time.

  Furthermore, it is very common and normal for men with Peyronie’s disease to experience anxiety, stress or even depression as a result of their condition.

• Can Peyronie’s disease be successfully treated?

  Fortunately, with the increased awareness of Peyronie’s disease many treatment options have been developed. The most successful treatment options are determined by the degree of curvature and characteristic of the scar formation. Fortunately, Minnesota Urology has the experts to guide you through this process.

• What treatment options are available for Peyronie’s disease?

  The treatment options for Peyronie’s disease are unique to each individual and depend on a number of factors. For men who are in the “active phase” meaning that their curvature is changing and is often associated with pain, treatment is focused on controlling their pain and trying to limit scar formation. This most often comes in the form of oral pills and/or a topical cream.  

  For men who have reached the “stable phase,” meaning their pain has subsided and their curvature has been relatively unchanged, many treatment options become available. These options include injection therapy to breakdown the formed scar tissue, traction devices to correct curvature, surgical options to straighten the penis or, for some individuals, insertion of an internal penile prosthesis.

  The best option for you is unique. See the experts at Minnesota Urology for a thorough discussion regarding what will work best for you.

• What happens when I make an appointment for my Peyronie’s disease?

  At Minnesota Urology, we strive to provide the care you need in a respectful and discrete manner.  We understand the emotional toll Peyronie’s disease can have. You will visit with one of our Peyronie’s experts who will conduct a detailed health and sexual history to understand you as a whole. A physical exam will also be performed to assess any scar formation. Additionally, your urologist may give you a medication to stimulate an erection while in the clinic so that severity of curvature may be evaluated.