Page 1 - Peyronie's Disease

Urological Health

Peyronie’s disease

Peyronie’s disease is an inflammatory condition of the penis which may result in discomfort
and curvature with erections.

amed after the French surgeon who described
Nit in 1743, Peyronie’s (pronounced pay-ro-knees)
disease is an inflammatory condition of the penis
resulting in scar formation and curvature of erections.
It affects at least 1% of all men.

The penis is made up of three cylinders wrapped adhesive tape adhesive tape
in a skin tube. On its undersurface is the urethra,
through which urine flows during voiding. Above the
urethra are two elastic, fibrous cylinders (the corpora
cavernosa) fused in the midline and anchored on
the pelvis. These structures contain blood vessels and
spongy muscle which relax with sexual stimulation D ated: straight ated: bent Roula Drossis
to allow engorgement with blood producing an
erection.

The precise cause of Peyronie’s disease is not clear.
Many believe that injury to the erect penis, such as
buckling of the shaft during intercourse, may result in
shearing between the layers of the fibrous sheath and
bleeding. In most men, this injury would heal without
residual effect. Others, however, have an abnormal
Roula Drossis inflammatory response resulting in unusual scarring.
corpora cavernosa Some men appear to be genetically predisposed to
this abnormal scar formation, having similar tender
spongy muscle and restrictive scars in the palms (Dupuytren’s
urethra
contracture).
Typically, Peyronie’s disease affects middle-aged
men (age 45 – 60), although it has been reported
in younger and older men. It is more common in
those with erectile dysfunction, diabetes or high
blood pressure. Erections may be painful and sexual
Peyronie’s disease is due to the formation of dense intercourse may be awkward or uncomfortable for
scar tissue in the fibrous sheath of the corpora the man and/or his partner. The degree of curvature
cavernosa. In its early stages, the area of scarring may is variable while its direction is constant: up, down
be tender and painful. A discrete lump, or plaque, or to one side. Scarring may cause indentation or
can sometimes be felt on the penile shaft. This inelastic shortening of the erect penis. In some cases, the
scar tissue prevents stretching of the fibrous sheath penis beyond the scarring may not become firm
with erection resulting in curvature. Picture the penis with erections.
as a long narrow balloon with a piece of adhesive
tape on one side. The deflated balloon is straight, but
with inflation it will bend to the side of the adhesive Continued on next page
tape.