Peyronie’s Disease

What is Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease causes fibrous scar tissue growth, known as plaque, inside the penis. Plaque causes a variety of problems including:

• Penile curvature

• Difficulty having intercourse

• Painful erections

• Penis shortening

• Penis narrowing

For many men, the physical symptoms of Peyronie’s disease can lead to major anxiety and stress. If you don’t get treatment, Peyronie’s disease could cause painful intercourse as well as prevent conception.

Am I at Risk for Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease is most common after the age of 55. If you have a family history of Peyronie’s disease or a personal history of connective tissue disorders, your risk for the disease is increased.

How Do You Diagnose Peyronie’s Disease?

A Peyronie’s disease diagnosis is normally straightforward given the obvious physical changes that come with the disease.

Our urologists can typically diagnose Peyronie’s disease during a physical exam. It’s rare to need imaging or other tests to diagnose Peyronie’s disease unless your urologist suspects a co-occurring problem.

What are the Most Effective Treatments for Peyronie’s Disease?

Treatment varies according to how Peyronie’s disease affects your body and life. The three general approaches are:

• Observation: Your urologist may recommend watchful waiting if your penile curvature is mild and you still have normal sexual function. But if you start to have problems, you may need treatment to destroy the plaque or surgery to straighten your penis.

• Injections: XiaFlex® is a medication that your urologist injects directly into your penis. When combined with specific stretching and straightening exercises, this medication effectively destroys the plaque in your penis. You need 1-4 XiaFlex treatment cycles, spaced six weeks apart, with each cycle including two injections. For many men with Peyronie’s disease, XiaFlex is a successful treatment.

• Surgery: If needed, your Urology Associates of Mobile urologist can place a penile implant that straightens your penis and allows for normal sexual function. This is an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour.

There’s no reason to live with painful erections, erectile difficulties, and other problems of Peyronie’s disease.

If you think you are suffering from Peyronie’s disease, never hesitate to call us. To receive the highest quality of treatment for Peyronie’s disease, schedule an appointment today.