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

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Peyronie's disease involves taking a complete medical history, including any circumstances surrounding the onset of symptoms, and a physical examination. The hardened tissue caused by the disorder can be felt upon examination (palpable).

Sometimes, it is necessary to perform the examination with the penis erect. This is achieved by injecting a vasoactive substance that affects the blood vessels in the penis, causing erection. Photographs (digital or Polaroid) of the deformity may eliminate the need to produce an erection in the physician's office. Calcified plaque can be identified using x-ray or ultrasound.

If the physical examination does not support the diagnosis of Peyronie's disease, or if the condition develops rapidly, the physician may perform a biopsy. Biopsy involves removing plaque cells for microscopic examination and is used to detect cancer.

Treatment

Complications

Nutrition

BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES