Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie’s Disease (PD) is a disorder of abnormal wound healing that results from damage to the penis tissue. Most men experience a hard nodule or lump on the penis followed by penile curvature, narrowing and sometimes erectile dysfunction. PD occurs in close to 10 percent of all men and is not usually discussed openly by men and the healthcare community due to its sensitive nature. It is a non-cancerous disorder but the disease can have a profound impact on intimacy with your partner and your psychological well-being. If you are one of the many men who suffer from PD, there are multiple treatment options available to treat the penile abnormality, penile length loss, and ED that may occur. Dr. Anand Shridharani has advanced urological training in the diagnosis and management of Peyronie’s Disease, sexual dysfunction, and ED. Erlanger Urology offers a comfortable, discrete setting where your concerns can be addressed according to your schedule.

What Causes Peyronie’s Disease (PD)?

• Aging
• Hormonal/Low Testosterone
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Prostatectomy for prostate cancer
• Penile Trauma/Fracture
• ED
• Dupuytren’s Disease
• Congenital Penile Curvature

How Does PD Cause Penile Deformity?

• There are two erectile cylinders within every penis that sit above the urethra, the tube through which you urinate.
• The erectile tubes have a strong elastic covering called the tunica albuginea. The tunica can rip or tear during sexual intercourse.
• In most men, it heals normally. But, in men with PD, an abnormal inelastic scar forms, called a plaque.
• The plaque, or lump on the penis, is usually the first sign of PD disease.
• Since the plaque is inelastic, meaning it stretches poorly, a noticeable deformity in penis appears when the penis is erect.
• The penis can bend up, down, left, right or have a combination of different bends.
• Sometimes the plaque can narrow the penis causing decreased girth and loss of length, which can be significant.
• The plaque usually causes some inflammation or irritation of the penile nerves which can result in painful erections.

Can PD Affect My Erections?

Yes. Because the Peyronie’s plaque is inelastic it cannot trap the blood within the erectile cylinders as well as normal elastic tissue can. Veins that travel through the tunica are usually compressed during normal erection but are not in the Peyronie’s plaque. About one third of men with PD will develop ED during the course of their disease process. This can be treated with the same medications and procedures that are used to treat ED from other causes.

Why Is it Important to Seek a Urologic Consultation?

PD can have a significant impact on your sex life, intimacy with your partner, and your emotional well-being. Seeking a physician consultation and increasing your awareness of the disease process are the first steps to understanding this treatable condition. By empowering yourself with knowledge and specialized physician support you may regain normal function and lessen the emotional impact of the disease.

How Is PD Evaluated?

An assessment of overall health, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle will be performed. The impact of PD on the individual and couple will also be assessed via questionnaire. A focused physical examination is mandatory. Imaging tests may be used to check for structural abnormalities and blood flow in most cases to fully assess the disease. The results of these tests will help your doctor determine the best treatment options.

Dr. Anand Shridharani recommends that individuals bring their partner to the consultation if one exists and the man is comfortable doing so. He believes this will appropriately address all issues affecting the man and partner as well as involving them both in the care plan.

What Is the Next Step?

Millions of men suffer from PD. Many of these men will not discuss these issues with their care providers out of embarrassment, the sense of helplessness or fear of unknown treatments. PD is an undeniably treatable condition. Dr. Shridharani has advanced urological training in the management of PD, and he is devoted to Men’s Health. We provide a comfortable setting where your quality of life issues will be managed at your pace. Our mission is to help you regain full sexual function and intimacy with your loved one.