One particular form of erectile dysfunction, called Peyronie’s disease, results in a bend in the penis. Patients suffers from painful erections and deformities in their penis that cause anxiety and discomfort. The main symptom of Peyronie’s disease is the formation of scar tissue on the top, bottom, or side of the penis, causing painful erections or severe curvature. Scar on the top of the penis may cause an upward bend during an erection, on the side may cause curvature towards one side and multiple scars can cause complex curvatures. Peyronie’s disease is more common in middle-aged men but can also occur in younger population. These deformities may make sexual penetration more difficult. Scar tissue may cause shrinkage or shortening of the penis. Therefore, understanding the condition and taking the necessary steps are essential to improve quality of life and to enjoy a healthier sex life.
If you think you have Peyronie’s disease, the first step is to speak with your doctor. An ultrasound study will help to determine the presence of a scar tissue. Physical examination helps your doctor determine whether you have the condition and depending on the location and the amount of scar tissue, whether your penis has shortened.
At SoHo Men’s Health, our treatment aims to break down the scar tissue and to buildup of new collagen in the penis. Treatment modalities include collagenase (Xiaflex) injections to the penis and shockwave therapy to dissolve the scar tissue and improve blood circulation.
