What Is Peyronie's Disease?
Characterized by a
plaque that forms on the penis, Peyronie's disease causes pain and reduced flexibility, making sexual intercourse difficult. The plaque develops on the upper or lower side of the penis in the layers containing erectile tissue. It begins as a localized inflammation and can develop into a hardened scar.
Cause of Peyronie's Disease
At this point in time, the exact
cause of Peyronie's disease is unknown. However, many researchers believe that the plaque associated with Peyronie's disease develops following trauma (hitting or bending) that causes localized bleeding inside the penis.
Symptoms of Peyronie's Disease
Cases of Peyronie's disease range from mild to severe. Symptoms may develop slowly or appear overnight. In severe cases of Peyronie's disease, the hardened plaque reduces flexibility, causing pain and forcing the penis to bend or arc during erection. In many cases, the pain decreases over time, but the bend in the penis may remain a problem, making sexual intercourse difficult. The sexual problems that result from Peyronie's disease can disrupt a couple's physical and emotional relationship, and lead to lowered self-esteem in the man. In a small percentage of patients with a milder form of Peyronie's disease, the inflammation may resolve without causing significant pain or permanent bending.
The plaque itself is benign (noncancerous). A plaque on the top of the shaft (which is the most common) causes the penis to bend upward. A plaque on the underside causes it to bend downward. In some cases, the plaque develops on both the top and bottom, leading to indentation and shortening of the penis. At times, pain, bending, and emotional distress make sexual intercourse difficult or impossible.
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