Peyronie’s Disease: Erectile Tissue Disorder

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a rare connective tissue disorder, forms hardened tissue (fibrosis) in the penis causing pain, curvature (Beyond certain degree of curving of the penis is not considered normal) and distortion, usually during an erection. Effecting at least one to two percent of men and probably underestimated by approximately nine percent. Men affected are normally between 45 and 60 years old (75 percent), but in some cases men between 18 to 80 years old. The disease discovered in 1704 by Francois de la Peyronie, a French physician and surgeon. When he observed scar tissue causing upward curvature of the penis in three men, during the time of an erection. The male organ penis functions are reproduction and urination. The anatomy of the penis composed of two columns of the Erectile tissue (the corpora cavenosa) and corpus spongiosum, which carries in the tube urine and semen from the body (uretha). Second: Sheath that surrounds the erectile tissue (tunica albuginea). Peyronnie’s Disease is dense fibrous scar tissue (plaque) forming in the tunica albunginea. The plaque is benign or non-cancerous. When plaque forms on the top of the shaft (most common) causes the penis to bend upward or plaque on the underside causes it to bend downward. When plaque forms on both top and bottom, will cause shortening of length. Those men having Peyronie’s disease experience mild to severe sexual difficulty, impotency (not occurring in every case), pain (During the initial six months of the disorder, erections can be painful.), and affects the emotional and physical aspect, when being involved in a relationship or marriage. Viable treatment includes medication, surgery and in some cases heals without treatment after initial 12 months, after the scar forms. Most medical treatments have a success rate of about sixty percent.

Researchers believe Peyronie’s disease caused by injury to the internal cavity of the penis. Many patients recalled an invasive procedure, blunt trauma or injury during intercourse (By a fracture in the tunica. Commonly occurs with a partner in the superior position (on top) during sexual activity). This leads to bleeding and later scar tissue formation at the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavenosa. Approximately half (47 percent) of Peyronie’s disease patients have another condition associated with a loss of elasticity, such as Dupuytren’s contracture (thickening and shrinking of the layer of flesh just under the skin of the palm.) or Ladderhose’s disease (A nonmalignant thickening of the feet’s deep connective tissue or fascia.) Also, this disease could be link to hereditary. Men that have peyronie’s disease causes pain or abnormal curvature of the penis when erect. Also, some experience pain during sexual intercourse, while some men may experience no discomfort.

A urologist (physician that specializes in the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males) can diagnose Peyronie’s disease (Maybe evaluated by ultrasound.) and recommend available treatment, which includes surgery which maybe necessary to reduce painful distortion (Most cases warrants a delay of surgery for at least six to twelve months after diagnosis, because of potential for spontaneous resolution, unless the plaque is calcified or patients are not able to perform any sexual activity. The common surgical technique is called Nesbit. During the surgery, removal of graft material is taken from scrotal tunica vaginalis or non-hair – bearing skin from the forearm for a “patch grafting” procedure, providing adequate stretch of the corpora during an erection. However, complications can develop after surgery, includes overcorrecting or bending to the opposite side, scaring, numbness, blood collecting under the skin called hematoma, and infection. Other surgical procedures include a penile prosthesis.) or prescribing oral medication. The size of scar or fibrous plaque may range from a few millimeters or may encompass the entire shaft of the penis. The urologist may prescribe taking vitamin E 800 mg/day or potassium aminobenzoate 12 g/day. According to the Food and Drug and Drug Administration has classified vitamin E as a possible effective drug. In some cases, the disease resolves without treatment. There is no adequate information, which supports treatment by injecting corticosteriods directly into the plaque. Further information is available at Peryonies.Org. Website.