Peyronie’s disease is a men’s health condition that is characterized by a curved erection. While it may not be an issue for some, it can cause pain and a significant bend for some patients – plus, Peyronie’s disease can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).
The good news is that Peyronie’s disease is treatable. If you are exhibiting signs of the condition, a urologist can give you a quick and accurate diagnosis so that you can get treatment which will alleviate the issue.
How Is Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Peyronie’s disease is not a complicated process. The urologist will review your medical history and your family’s medical history, and the doctor will conduct a physical exam. Usually, a physical exam is enough to identify the problematic scar tissue inside the penis.
During the physical exam, the urologist will palpate the penis to locate the plaque (scar tissue) and diagnose the condition. Taking the measurement of the penis also helps in case the condition becomes worse later, in which case the doctor will need to identify whether there is a decrease in its length. The physician may also ask you to provide an image of your erect penis to see the shape of the curvature so they can determine the location of the plaque.
The doctor may recommend undergoing an ultrasound scan to confirm the presence of plaque and to gather additional information about it, such as the precise location and extent of the scar tissue. Before undergoing an ultrasound, they will administer an injection that will cause an erection for a proper scan.
Causes and Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
One of the main causes of Peyronie’s disease is an injury to the penis. It could happen during sexual intercourse, an accident, or while playing sports. As the injury heals, there is a buildup of scar tissue under the skin of the penis, and the scar tissue stays there. This plaque buildup pulls on the other tissues around it, thereby causing the curve in the penis.
The symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include the following:
- Bent or curved penis (usually during an erection)
- Scar tissue that can be manually felt under the skin of the penis
- Shortened penis
- Erection problems
- Pain with or without an erection
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, consult a urologist to have the issue diagnosed and treated. This should be done sooner rather than later so that the issue doesn’t become a worsening problem.
Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease in Phoenix, Arizona
Peyronie’s disease is a highly treatable men’s health condition. If you have a curve that is interfering with sexual activity or is causing pain, see an experienced urologist who can provide you with treatment options for your condition.
Here at Ironwood Urology, we offer a complete evaluation and treatment of all kinds of men’s health conditions, from Peyronie’s disease to erectile dysfunction to BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate). Our medical team is led by urologist Dr. Desi Avila, who has years of experience treating men right here in the Phoenix area.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Avila, contact us today at (480) 961-2323 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you.
