Peyronie's disease is characterized by the formation of hardened tissue (fibrosis) in the penis that causes pain, curvature, and distortion, usually during erection. The penis is the male organ for reproduction and urination. It is composed of two columns of erectile tissue (the corpora cavernosa); the corpus spongiosum, which contains the tube that carries urine and semen from the body (urethra); and the sheath that surrounds the erectile tissue (tunica albuginea). In Peyronie's disease, dense, fibrous scar tissue (plaque) forms in the tunica albuginea.
Because Peyronie's disease involves deformity of an erect penis and may impair sexual intercourse, doctors have historically classified the condition as a form of impotence, currently referred to as erectile dysfunction (ED).
Incidence and Prevalence
Causes and Risk Factors
Signs and Symptoms
Peyronie's disease may be mild or severe, and may develop rapidly or over time. Symptoms include the following:
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Plaque usually develops on the top of the shaft, causing the penis to bend upward during erection, but it may occur on the bottom, causing a downward bend. If plaque develops on the top and the bottom, indentations and shortening may occur. In about 13% of cases, plaque does not cause severe pain or curvature, and the condition resolves on its own.
In severe cases, pain and curvature result in erectile dysfunction (impotence). If there are several areas of plaque, incomplete erection may occur.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Nutrition
BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES
