Peyronie’s disease: a private conversation, at your pace

What Peyronie’s disease is

Peyronie’s disease is a curve of the penis caused by a plaque, a patch of scar tissue made of collagen. The exact cause isn’t known, though some form of injury, such as bending during sex, is often suspected. Treatment is generally recommended when the curve is severe (more than about 45 degrees) or when it causes pain with intercourse for you or your partner.

Two phases

In the active phase, the scar is still forming, the curve may worsen, and erections can be painful; this usually lasts 12 to 18 months. In the stable phase, the plaque and curve haven’t changed for at least six months, and the focus shifts to correcting the curve and any erection problems.

Treatment options

Options offered at Advanced Urology include:

• Oral medicines, a vacuum device, and traction or penile remodeling, often used in the active phase to improve blood flow and limit worsening
• Xiaflex injections, an in-office treatment with an enzyme that breaks down the scar tissue, usually two injections in a week followed by gentle modeling
• Plication, which straightens the penis by shortening the side opposite the plaque and can cause some loss of length
• Plaque incision and grafting for larger curves, which carries risks such as reduced sensation or worse erections
• A penile implant when Peyronie’s and erectile dysfunction occur together

We’ll go through the pros and cons of each with you and settle on a plan together.