Experiencing unexpected changes to your physical and sexual health can be distressing, and it is completely normal to feel hesitant about seeking help. If you have noticed a new, painful curvature or a change in the shape of your penis, you might be dealing with a highly treatable condition known as Peyronie's disease. At Urology Specialists of Cypress, our compassionate team understands the sensitive nature of men's health concerns. We are dedicated to providing a comfortable, discreet environment where you can find the answers you need, relieve your discomfort, and restore your confidence.
Peyronie's disease is a condition characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue, known as plaque, inside the penis. This scar tissue causes the penis to curve or bend significantly, most noticeably during an erection.
While a slight, natural curve to the penis is common and usually not a concern, the severe curvature caused by Peyronie's disease can make erections painful and make sexual intercourse difficult or even impossible.
The exact cause of Peyronie's disease isn't always entirely clear, but it is generally believed to develop as a result of acute or repeated injury to the penis. This trauma can trigger an abnormal healing process that creates the hard scar tissue. Causes and risk factors include:
Micro-injuries sustained during vigorous sexual intercourse, sports, or accidents
A genetic predisposition or family history of the condition
Connective tissue disorders, such as Dupuytren's contracture
Autoimmune disorders
Aging, as tissue loses elasticity and is more prone to injury in older men
Even if you cannot recall a specific injury, the microscopic trauma that occurs during regular sexual activity can be enough to trigger plaque formation in susceptible men.
The signs of Peyronie's disease can appear suddenly overnight or develop gradually over several months. When plaque forms, men typically experience symptoms such as:
A significant upward, downward, or sideways bend in the penis
Hard lumps or bands of tissue felt beneath the skin of the penis
Painful erections, especially in the early stages of the disease
Shortening of the penis or loss of girth
Indentations or an "hourglass" shape to the penile shaft
Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or maintaining an erection)
Emotional distress and anxiety regarding sexual performance
If left untreated, severe cases of Peyronie's disease can lead to permanent changes in the shape of the penis and long-term erectile dysfunction.
In addition to reviewing your medical history and symptoms, your Urology Specialists of Cypress provider will perform a physical exam to locate the scar tissue and evaluate the degree of curvature.
If they diagnose Peyronie's disease, the treatment plan will depend on whether you are in the acute (painful, actively changing) phase or the chronic (stable) phase of the condition.
Peyronie's disease treatments are available in several forms, including oral medications, penile traction therapy, and prescription injections like Xiaflex. Your provider discusses the benefits of each approach and recommends the one that's best for breaking down the plaque and restoring function.
Currently, injection therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical options, working directly at the site of the plaque to dissolve the collagen buildup over a series of treatments. In severe cases where the curvature prevents intercourse and conservative treatments are ineffective, your provider may discuss surgical options to straighten the penis or the placement of a penile implant.
If you have a noticeable curve, painful erections, or any symptoms suggesting Peyronie's disease, don’t hesitate to seek help at Urology Specialists of Cypress. Call the office or request an appointment today to learn if a customized treatment plan is the solution you need.