Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's Disease

Our urology team can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to manage your condition.

Understanding Peyronie’s disease

Peyronie’s disease is a rare type of erectile dysfunction (ED), or a condition in which a person has difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. Peyronie’s disease causes abnormal growth of scar tissue or plaque on the connective tissue of the penis. This condition can result in a curve, bend, or narrowing in the penis that can impact erection quality and cause penile pain or difficulty with sexual activity.

The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is unknown, but some research suggests it can be caused by trauma or injury to the penis resulting in scar tissue buildup. However, many cases occur without traumatic injury, suggesting that genetic factors may be at play, too.

Treating Peyronie's disease

The best treatment for Peyronie’s disease depends on if the condition is acute or chronic.

Acute Peyronie's disease

The acute phase of Peyronie’s disease happens early on and may last a few weeks to a year or more. Common symptoms in the penis include:

  • Pain
  • Changes in length
  • Changes in curvature
  • Changes in deformity

Treatment for the acute phase usually involves penile traction therapy. A device is used to stretch the penis for a defined period. The goal is to prevent losing penis length and decrease curvature.

Other medical and injectable therapies also may help at the acute stage of Peyronie’s disease.

Chronic Peyronie's disease

With the chronic stage of Peyronie’s disease, symptoms are stable. There isn’t penis pain or changes in length, curvature, or deformity. The chronic stage often happens about three to 12 months after initial symptoms.

There are several treatment options for the chronic phase:

  • Watchful waiting
  • Injection therapy
  • Traction therapy
  • Surgery

Sometimes, it’s helpful to use multiple treatment options. For example, if you get injection therapy, you may get several injections over the span of months. During this time, you also might do traction therapy and take medicine by mouth.

If you have Peyronie’s disease or another sexual health condition, our urology team at West Jefferson Medical Center is here to help. We’ll work with you to find the best treatment for you, long-term.

Call us directly at 934-8100 or select a doctor to schedule online

Related locations
Related Blogs