Peyronie’s disease (Fibrous penile induration)

Description of the Disease

Peyronie’s disease, also known as fibrous penile induration, causes the penis to deform due to the formation of fibrous tissue (scarring) inside it. Named after a French doctor who described the condition in the 18th century, this disease affects 0.5-3% of men. However, the actual prevalence might be higher because many men hesitate to seek medical help. The condition most commonly affects men aged 40-70.

Cause of the Disease

Microtraumas during sex, sports, or accidents are believed to be the main cause of Peyronie’s disease. These traumas damage the tunica albuginea, a special layer of connective tissue that surrounds the penile blood vessels. While the healing process can sometimes be normal, fibrosis (scarring) of the connective tissue often develops, altering the shape of the penis. In some cases, the disease arises without any apparent trauma, and the cause remains unknown.

Risk Factors

• Advanced Age: The likelihood of developing Peyronie’s disease increases with age.
• Heredity: Family history, such as a brother or father with Peyronie’s disease, increases the risk.
• Connective Tissue Disorders: About 30% of Peyronie’s disease cases also involve Dupuytren’s contracture, where tissues in the palm and fingers thicken and pull the fingers towards the palm.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Peyronie’s disease worsen over time and include:

• Hardening of a part of the penis under the skin
• Penile pain
• Deformation during erection
• Difficulty in sexual intercourse
• Sometimes erectile dysfunction occurs due to the spread of scar tissue

Diagnosis

Doctors can diagnose Peyronie’s disease based on symptoms and a physical examination of the genitalia (inspection and palpation). In severe cases, they may perform an ultrasound or X-ray examination after administering drugs that induce erection.

Treatment

For many men, Peyronie’s disease resolves on its own within about a year. Some medications may be used for treatment, but their effectiveness is unclear. Shockwave therapy, which breaks down the fibrous tissue (scarring), often yields good results. In rare cases, surgical treatment might be needed to straighten the penis.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology