Named after Francois de la Peyronie, surgeon to Louis XIV of France, Peyronie’s disease can appear in men of all ages but is most commonly present in men in their 50s. 

Unknown cause

 The cause of Peyronie’s Disease is not well understood. In most cases, the disease is a result of inflammation and plaque formation after repeated trauma to the penis; most commonly occurring during sexual intercourse.

The deformity of the penis is due to plaque formation that is, in fact, a thick, inelastic scar. This can create curvature of the penis upwards, downwards or sideways. Erectile dysfunction is also a common side effect, occurring in between 58% and 90% of men with the disease (^{1, 2).}

Peyronie’s Disease can cause one or more of the following conditions:

Psychological distress

It’s not uncommon for men with the disease to experience depression and anxiety disorders. Talk to your doctor to discuss appropriate diagnosis and treatment options.

Penile deformity

The disease can result in indentation of the penis, narrowing or loss of length. It can also affect the ability to engage in sexual activity.

Erectile dysfunction

The disease is frequently associated with a reduction in rigidity, or hardness of erections. Unfortunately, correction of the curvature rarely leads to correction of ED. However, if ED coexists with Peyronie’s Disease, there are treatment options that will correct both problems.

Surgery to correct Peyronie’s disease can result in the complications listed below. If you have any particular concerns, talk to your doctor before deciding on a procedure.

• Change in penile sensation (usually returns in 1–2 months after surgery)
• Recurrent curvature (rare if deformity is stable for 6–9 months before surgery)
• Erectile dysfunction (this is less likely to occur in men with strong pre-operative erections)
• Penile shortening (minimal, if at all)
• Bleeding and infection are complications associated with most surgical procedures, but are quite rare with these operations

Q. Will my penis be perfectly straight after treatment?

A: The goal of surgery is not to make the penis perfectly straight, but functional. This is accomplished in 98% (cf. ⁷⁾ of cases.

Q: Will I regain the former length of my penis?

A: The loss of elasticity that occurs with the disease can reduce the length of the penis. Your length may vary depending on your selection of treatment.

Q: My erections have become weaker with Peyronie’s disease; will they improve after surgery?

A: The surgery to correct the curvature will not address the rigidity, or hardness of the erections. Erectile dysfunction is a condition that can be treated separately.

Q: What can I do to improve my erections and make them last longer?

A: Erectile dysfunction is experienced by approximately 30 million men (cf. ^8). There are many treatment options that can improve the quality of your erections, including:

• Oral therapy (Viagra®, Levitra®, Cialis®)
• Penile injections
• Vacuum devices
• Intraurethral suppositories
• Penile implant

Q: Will my insurance cover this procedure?

A: Insurance plans cover the procedure in most cases. Billing specialists in the physician’s office can help confirm your coverage.
 

Q: What should I do next?

A: Make an appointment with a physician specializing in Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction

• Come prepared with questions
• Discuss your treatment options
• Ask if you can speak to a satisfied patient
• Confirm your insurance coverage

Your urologist will discuss with you which treatment option is most likely to be satisfactory for you.

For more information or to find a qualified physician, visit fixED.