Is it usual for a man to have a curved penis? Penises differ in shape and size, and it’s also normal for it to curve towards the left or right during an erection. However, when you experience pain during an erection and the curve on your penis is more significant, you may have Peyronie’s Disease. Read on to learn more common Peyronie’s disease symptoms, causes, and treatment.
What Is Peyronie’s Disease? What Are Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms?
People with Peyronie’s disease have a noticeable bend in their penis, as well as pain, while having an erection. This is caused by a build-up of plaque under the skin of the penis, in the thick membrane responsible for keeping your erection up. The plaque is made up of scar tissue. When a build-up occurs, the tissue around the plaque gets pulled, causing a painful bend to appear during erection.
The plaque is non-cancerous but the painful curve causes men to have difficulty in having sex. This may also cause anxiety or stress, and the shortening of their penis.
There are two phases for Peyronie’s disease:
Acute Phase
Plaque is forming inside the penis. Your penis begins to noticeably curve. You may also experience pain in your penis even without an erection. This can last up to a year and a half.
Chronic Phase
Plaque has formed inside the penis. This occurs 12 to 18 months after the initial symptoms. Pain may have lessened by then.
Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms
Peyronie’s disease symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually. Men who have this condition may feel like their penis is firm and uneven, and may suffer varying degrees of pain.
Here are some common Peyronie’s disease symptoms:
Hard Lump
The plaque build-up under the skin of your penis may cause you to feel hard lumps.The lumps are accumulations of scar tissue.
Problems With Erection
Peyronie’s disease symptoms include difficulties having or keeping up an erection, usually due to the pain it causes. In some cases, men who have this disorder report erectile dysfunction before experiencing other symptoms.
Shorter Penis
The organ may lose length or girth due to the disorder.
Crooked Form
An irregular shape, like an hourglass, may be observed.
Curved penis
An obvious curving may also be seen on your organ. This symptom is the most commonly observed for people diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease.
Causes of Peyronie’s disease
There is no specific cause for this disorder. Some doctors believe that this occurs after your penis is injured, likely during sex, or while the penis is erect. It can also be genetic. However Peyronie’s disease may develop without obvious or specific reasons.
Risks and Complications
People who are any of the following have a higher risk of this disease:
- Aged 40 and above
- Have a family history of Peyronie’s disease
- Engaging in strenuous activities that cause penis injuries
- Experiencing erectile dysfunction
- Previously had prostate cancer surgery
Complications may include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Difficulty having sex
- Strains in sexual relationships
- Pain and shortening of the penis
Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms: Diagnosing Peyronie’s Disease
Contact your healthcare provider once you suspect you may have Peyronie’s disease symptoms.
Doctors may perform the following examinations:
- Physical examination – Your doctor will check your penis for scar tissues when it’s not erect to determine the amount of scar tissue and the length of your penis. The measurement will be checked in the next consultation sessions to see if your penis has shortened over time.
- Ultrasound – An ultrasound may be conducted while your penis is erect to check for possible scar tissues or other problems. An injection may be given to you before these tests to stimulate an erection.
Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms: Treatment
Treatment depends on how long you’ve been experiencing Peyronie’s disease symptoms. This can be during the acute phase when you’re experiencing pain and changes in your penis, while the chronic phase occurs when your symptoms have stabilized.
Acute Phase
During this phase, the recommended treatment is penile traction therapy to prevent more changes caused by the symptoms. Injections are recommended sometimes but surgery at this stage is not suggested.
Chronic Phase
Treatments during this phase may include injections and therapy. Surgery is also possible. Surgery may include cutting away the plaque, or removing part of the penis opposite the plaque to straighten out the shape.
Key Takeaways
Peyronie’s disease symptoms include having a noticeable bend in their penis, as well as pain while having an erection. This is caused by a build-up of plaque inside the penis.
Early detection and treatment give you a better chance at recovery. As soon as you feel worried, contact your doctor for a check-up.
