Navigating the Curve: Understanding and Managing Peyronie’s Disease

If you’ve noticed that your penis is bent out of shape, you might be dealing with Peyronie’s disease. This condition causes the penis to curve at an angle that can range from 10 to 90 degrees. While it’s deemed a medical condition rather than a disease, Peyronie’s can be both physically and emotionally painful.

What Is Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease occurs when abnormal scar tissue or plaque accumulates in the tunica albuginea, a thick membrane surrounding the erectile tissues. This plaque buildup causes the penis to curve, usually when erect, but it can also happen when the penis is flaccid.

The condition can affect men of any age, but it’s more prevalent among those ages 40 to 70. No matter their age, those with Peyronie’s might experience hard lumps on the top or bottom side of their penis. Although these lumps aren’t cancerous, if the plaque buildup is on both the top and bottom of the penile shaft, the penis may become shorter.

Peyronie’s disease can also lead to painful erections and erectile dysfunction. While erections might be painful during the first six months of developing Peyronie’s, the pain tends to go away over time, even if the curve in the penis persists. For those experiencing significant pain or disruption, a watch-and-wait approach might be the best initial course of action. However, treatment may not guarantee that the penis will return to its original shape. Some men notice improvements within their first year of developing Peyronie’s without needing treatment.

When treatment becomes necessary or desired, various drugs, medical procedures, supplements, and surgeries for Peyronie’s are available. Those with the condition should research all potential options and consult a knowledgeable professional before taking any action.

What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?

Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes Peyronie’s, but they’ve identified some potential factors. Acute or repeated trauma to the penis is a major cause or risk factor. This trauma can include sports injuries, rough sexual activity, prostate surgery, or activities like riding a bicycle, horse, motorcycle, or all-terrain vehicle.

There are also other risk factors to consider, such as smoking, diabetes, and the presence of Dupuytren’s contracture, a connective tissue disease. Fifteen to 20 percent or more of men with Peyronie’s also have Dupuytren’s contracture.

If you’re dealing with a bent penis, it’s crucial to consult a health professional and discuss your options. Peyronie’s can often be treated, and while there’s currently no known cure, significant relief is possible.