Peyronie's disease - meaning and definition
AlsoPeyronies diseasePeyronie diseasepenile curvaturecurved penis
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Peyronie's disease is a condition in which scar tissue (plaque) forms inside the penis, causing it to bend or narrow when erect and sometimes causing pain.
At a glance
- In Peyronie's disease, scar tissue (plaque) forms inside the penis.
- It can cause the penis to bend or narrow when erect and sometimes causes pain.
- It is thought to follow minor injury to the penis, sometimes unnoticed, and is more common in middle age.
- A slight natural curve that has always been there is not Peyronie's disease.
- Some cases improve on their own; treatments range from monitoring to medication, traction devices and surgery.
In detail
The scar tissue is thought to develop after minor injury to the penis, sometimes unnoticed, and it is more common in middle age. Symptoms can include a new curve, a lump that can be felt, shortening, pain during erections, and difficulty with sex. A slight natural curve that has always been there is not Peyronie's disease.
In some people it improves on its own, while in others it stabilises after a year or so. Treatment options range from monitoring to medication, traction devices and surgery. It can also affect mood and self-esteem, so emotional support is part of good care.
In a sentence
- The urologist said his new curve and the lump he could feel were signs of Peyronie's disease.
- The patient forum discusses the emotional side of living with Peyronie's disease.
Where the word comes from
Named after Francois Gigot de la Peyronie, a French surgeon to King Louis XV, who described the condition in the 18th century.
Common questions
How do I know if a curve is Peyronie's disease?
A slight curve that has always been there is normal. A new curve, a lump you can feel, shortening, or pain during erections are possible signs of Peyronie's disease and are worth checking with a doctor.
Does Peyronie's disease go away?
In some people it improves on its own, while in others it stabilises after a year or so. Treatment ranges from monitoring to medication, traction devices and surgery. Because it can affect mood and self-esteem, emotional support is part of good care.
Related terms
Sources
- NHSPeyronie's disease
- MedlinePlusPenis Disorders