Peyronies Disease

Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which a man’s penis becomes curved when erect. Although it is common for men’s penises to curve a bit when rigid, Peyronie’s disease involves extreme curvature that may make sex impossible. The condition can also be painful, whether the penis is erect or not, and in some cases the pain can be extreme. In Peyronie’s disease, the curvature of the penis may be up, down or to the side.

This condition is caused by fibrous scar tissue within the penis. As blood swells the penis during the erection process, the scar tissue does not swell along with the healthy tissue, causing the curving.

Researchers have not identified a cause for this disease. Some believe that it may result from physical injuries to the penis. There are also hypotheses that it may be related to genetics, advancing age or prostate surgery.

If you or someone you love cannot have sex because of extreme curvature of the penis or simply are worried about the possibility of the disease, a visit to the doctor is in order. A simple physical exam can conclusively provide a proper diagnosis of this condition.

Various approaches have been developed to deal with Peyronie’s disease. These include medications and surgery. In addition, several nondrug, nonsurgical approaches, including shock wave therapy, penile traction devices and vacuum devices, have been suggested as potentially helpful for this condition, although the evidence about effectiveness and potential side effects so far is emerging. Reflexonic is at the forefront of research for successful management of Peyronies’ disease.