Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a disorder that causes the penis to bend, curve, or lose girth or length. This is due to the buildup of plaque in the tough elastic membrane in the penis called the tunica albuginea, which is responsible for maintaining penile rigidity and length during an erection.
The underlying cause of Peyronie’s isn’t clearly understood, but the condition may be ascribable to certain factors. Below, we will talk about some of those specific factors to help you better understand this condition.
Age
Peyronie’s disease is more common among older men, with most cases occurring between the ages 40 and 60.
Age is believed to play a role in the development of Peyronie’s disease, because as men get older, they are prone to medical conditions (e.g., vascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension) that cause blood vessel damage and plaque formation in their penis.
Genetics
While Peyronie’s disease is not caused by hereditary factors per se, the condition may have a genetic underpinning. That is to say, men who have a father, brother, or uncle with Peyronie’s disease may have a greater risk of developing the condition.
Trauma
Men who play high-impact sports (e.g., basketball and football), who engage in vigorous sexual intercourse (especially when not in the right condition), or whose activities involve a risk of trauma are susceptible to Peyronie’s disease.
There are a number of things you can do to avoid trauma to the penis and reduce your risk of developing Peyronie’s disease. These include:
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t put pressure on the penis
- Wearing protective undergarment, such as a jock strap, athletic supporter, or athletic cup
- Using proper lubrication during sexual activity
- Avoiding sex positions that cause bending to the penis
Peyronie’s Disease Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
Hard lumps on one or both sides of the penis, pain during sexual intercourse, changes in the shape of penis (e.g., shortening or narrowing), and erectile dysfunction are the common symptoms of PD. If you’re experiencing these, consult a men’s health expert for proper evaluation and effective treatment.
In the Phoenix, Arizona area, your go-to expert is Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr., our board-certified urologist here at Ironwood Urology. Dr. Avila offers a vast array of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for Peyronie’s disease, including injection therapy, vacuum erectile devices, traction devices, and penile prosthesis. He will thoroughly assess your symptoms, medical history, and current health condition and recommend the appropriate option for you.
To schedule an appointment, call our urology office today at (480) 961-2323 or use our convenient appointment request form. Our team looks forward to serving you!
