Contrary to the idea that women are more concerned than men with their appearance, the male population tends to have a few common areas of concern that get attention almost daily. One body part that is of particular interest to just about every man is his penis. When the size, shape, or slant of the penis is off in any way, it can cause a great deal of worry.
Men may have a standard of perfection when it comes to their penis. However, there is nothing abnormal about a slight lean to one side or the other. Even a minor curve is considered normal. What is not considered normal is an obvious curve or one that makes sexual intercourse uncomfortable. These symptoms indicate Peyronie’s disease.
What Exactly is Peyronie’s Disease?
You may have heard the term Peyronie’s disease. Recently, this condition has been receiving more airtime as treatment modalities and medications are being developed to correct penile curvature. Historically, diagnosed cases involve men between the ages of 40 and 70. However, experts suspect that there could be far more men out there whose condition simply hasn’t been diagnosed. Because Peyronie’s disease can become a chronic problem that affects the quality of life, it is beneficial for a man of any age to speak with his doctor about his symptoms.
So, Peyronie’s disease is an obvious curvature of the penile shaft, but why does it occur? Studies show that the penile curve originates with either plaque or scar tissue. Hardened tissue localizes in the membrane within the penis that supports a healthy erection. Therefore, when plaque or scar tissue exists on one side, the erection will be unilaterally shortened, causing the tilt.
While further research is needed, current data suggests that men who get Peyronie’s disease have suffered some injury to the penis. The injury could occur during sexual intercourse or even during sports. As a result of the soft tissue trauma, plaque gradually accumulates in the shaft.
How to Spot Peyronie’s Disease
In addition to causing penile curvature, Peyronie’s disease may also lead to symptoms such as:
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- Penile pain, especially during erection. This can diminish over time in some men.
- Abnormal hourglass shape in the penile shaft.
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- Erectile dysfunction.
- A palpable or visible lump on the side of the penis.
- Perceived shortening or narrowing of the penis.
Treating Peyronie’s Disease
Men who exhibit symptoms of Peyronie’s disease are encouraged to schedule a consultation with a board-certified urologist. A thorough examination and review of medical history achieves an accurate diagnosis and can guide a personal treatment plan to improve comfort and quality of life.
