Peyronie’s disease affects 1 in 10 men

Some men find it difficult to talk about sexual health concerns — even with a health care provider. They need to know they are not alone.

For example, at least one in 10 men have Peyronie’s disease — the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis that can cause a lump, deformity such as a curve or bend in the penis and pain. Peyronie’s disease usually occurs in men who are 40 or older, but can occur at any age.

What causes Peyronie’s disease? It could be genetic or caused by an injury, but in many cases, the cause is unknown. Risk factors for Peyronie’s disease include high blood pressure and diabetes. Peyronie’s disease is also very commonly associated with erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms may develop slowly or seem to appear overnight. The common symptoms for my patients include:

• pain in penis
• lump/bump on penis
• curved erections

Sometimes, Peyronie’s disease goes away on its own. However, more often it will persist or worsen. The curvature may become severe enough that it prevents successful and enjoyable sexual intercourse.

New treatments have been developed to avoid surgery such as an injectable medication. There also are several surgical options to correct curvature, with the goal of treatment being restoration of sexual functioning.