Curved Penis – Peyronie’s Disease Causes & Treatment
Peyronie disease is something that most people may not know much about, but it can have a serious impact on the physical and emotional well-being of men. Often referred to as a bent or curved penis, Peyronie disease can result in a noticeable bend in any direction—left, right, up, or down. Although the curvature itself is not necessarily painful, most men will have a pinching pain, and in severe cases, it can result in erection problems.
What Causes Peyronie Disease?
The primary reason for Peyronie disease is the formation of scar tissue—in medical terms, plaques—within the penis. The plaques may form because of different causes, which include:
1) Damage to the penis during sex or other injury to the penis
2) Certain drugs, especially those given for neurological illness such as fits (epilepsy)
3) General medical conditions such as diabetes
As these internal wounds accumulate, they limit the mobility of the penis during erection, causing it to bend. In extreme instances, the penis bends into bizarre forms like an “S” or an “L,” which becomes uncomfortable or even impossible for intimacy.
Increasing Cases and Limited Awareness
Whereas Peyronie disease was once thought to be more prevalent in Western nations, there is an observed increase of occurrences in India today. Contributing to this is the prevalence of diabetes, which is known to impact blood circulation as well as nerves and is likely also to play a part in the development of scar tissue in the penis.
Despite its growing frequency, Peyronie disease remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Many men may not even know that such a condition exists, and due to the private nature of the issue, they may hesitate to seek help. It’s important to highlight that this condition was first documented by French surgeon François Gigot de la Peyronie, whose work laid the foundation for our current understanding of the disease.
The Emotional and Mental Burden
In addition to the physical signs, Peyronie disease may take an extreme toll on mental health. Individuals with the condition tend to experience stress, embarrassment, and anxiety, which interfere with leading a normal life confidently. Normalizing open talk and raising awareness can help alleviate the stigma and persuade individuals affected to undergo treatment.
Treatment Options: What You Need to Know
The silver lining is that Peyronie disease can be treated, and there are several options, depending on the degree of the condition and personal requirements.
1. Medications
Mild cases may be treated with oral drugs, including antioxidants and vitamin supplements, which decrease inflammation and inhibit further scar tissue formation. Though not a cure, these can retard the advancement of the disease.
2. Peyronie Therapy
One of the most efficient and cost-effective treatment options is Peyronie therapy. This procedure reduces curvature and re-establishes normal penile function without surgery. Successfully treating close to 6,000 patients, researchers have forwarded their work to the World Health Organization (WHO) for global recognition. The therapy not only enhances physical symptoms but also greatly enhances mental health.
3. Shockwave Therapy
Another promising treatment is shockwave therapy, which applies focused sound waves to shatter scar tissue and stimulate healing. When used in conjunction with Peyronie therapy and medication, it can produce remarkable results, often resulting in a near-total elimination of the condition.
4. Injection Therapy
Men can be advised on injection-based treatments, which are where medicine is injected into the plaque. Effective in some cases, it can be rather costly and might not be an option for everyone.
5. Surgical Options
In worse circumstances, surgery is also possible. But it is generally the option of last resort because of the high expense and possibility of producing small but deep cuts in the treated area. Recovery from surgery can be vigorous and might even continue to necessitate care.
There Is Hope
Peyronie disease may be difficult to deal with, but it does not have to be a sentence. Owing to breakthroughs in treatment, particularly Peyronie therapy that has been conclusively demonstrated as both affordable and extremely effective—thousands of men have learned to get back their confidence, restore normalcy, and enjoy healthier, better lives. All it takes is early diagnosis, knowledge, and the correct synergistic therapy combinations.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from Peyronie disease symptoms, don’t delay seeing a medical professional. With proper care, healing is definitely an option. Book an Appointment
Dr. T. Kamaraj Thangasamy
Men’s Health, Male Infertility & Sexual Health consultant
Education
MBBS (Stanley Medical College), DMRD (Stanley Medical College), MD (Coimbatore Medical College), PhD (Dr. MGR Medical University)
Associations
Sexual Rights Committee Member, WAS, Chairman, Indian Association for Sexology, General Membership Secretary, AOFS,