What is Peyronie’s Disease?
Q: I’ve noticed that my erections are curved and painful lately, and it’s having a negative effect on my sex life. What is this and what can I do?
A: It sounds like this could be Peyronie’s disease, which is a condition in which fibrous scar tissue forms under the skin of the penis, causing painful, curved erections. Common symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include soft erections, feeling lumps in the penis, pain during sexual intercourse, shortening of the penis and having trouble maintaining an erection. While some men are still able to have sex and don’t experience pain, other men have difficulties with the disease.
A risk factor associated with Peyronie’s disease is genetics, but genetics alone doesn’t cause it. It’soften caused by some sort of minor or repeated injury to the penis. Age and cardiovascular health may also play a role in the development of the condition. It can certainly have an effect on your sex life if it goes untreated, and that understandably leads to anxiety and stress. The good news is you can get help and find relief.
If you’re suffering from this condition, don’t be embarrassed to reach out to your doctor. He or she will be able to help you decide on the best treatment for your unique situation. Most of the time this can be diagnosed by a simple physical examination.
Some common treatment options include medication, injections, lifestyle changes and surgery. Quitting smoking, exercising regularly and reducing the amount of alcohol you drink may help prevent erectile dysfunction related to the disease. Certain medications may also be beneficial.
However, if symptoms don’t improve after a certain period of time, surgery may be necessary. Your doctor will help you decide on the best route to take. The important thing is to seek help soon for the condition and don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about what you’ve been experiencing.
*FOR BLOG: Peyronie’s disease can be painful and put a strain on your relationships, but don’t lose hope or put treatment on the back burner. At Arkansas Urology, our team of physicians is dedicated to helping you get healthy, stay healthy and live the life you want. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call today at 1-800-255-1762.