About Peyronie's Disease & Cure

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By Carole Ann
eHow Contributing Writer

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Peyronie's disease is a rare condition of the penis, where your penis bends during an erection because of a thick lump of scar tissue, or plaque, that has accumulated under the skin. You may also have pain during an erection and in some cases it can result in erectile dysfunction. The cause of Peyronie's disease is not known, but there are some theories that researchers continue to study.

Diagnosis

According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, Peyronie's is usually diagnosed when men see a physician because of problems with intercourse and pain during erections. A physical examination is usually sufficient to diagnose the problem because the plaque may be seen or felt. In some cases, it may be necessary for the man to have an erection for the examination. An X-ray or an ultrasound may be done to further evaluate the problem.

Possible Causes

There are several theories under consideration, according to the Mayo Clinic. Injury or trauma to the penis that did not heal properly can result in scar tissue that causes deformity. It is also believed that Peyronie's may be an autoimmune disorder or a genetic condition of abnormal collagen. Peyronie's may be a side effect of certain medications such as beta blockers

Treatment

Treatments for Peyronie's are experimental. Vitamin E and para-aminobenzoate, a B-complex substance, have shown some improvements, but these studies have been done on a small scale. Chemical agents such as collagenase, steroids, verapamil, interferon alpha-2b and calcium channel blockers injected into the plaques have been studied, but not yet proven. Radiation therapy has also been tried, resulting in a reduction of pain, but no effect on the plaque.

Surgery

In most cases surgery is a successful treatment, but patients are usually advised to wait a year or two before undergoing such a procedure because of complications that may occur. One method of surgery is to remove the plaque and replace it with a graft of skin or artificial material. Another method is called the Nesbit procedure where tissue is removed from the opposite side to eliminate the bending of the penis. The first procedure may result in impotence. The Nesbit procedure can cause a shortened erection. In some cases, an implanted device can straighten the penis.

Considerations

The presence of certain diseases or conditions place you at a higher risk of Peyronie's disease. Examples are lupus, diabetes, vitamin E deficiency and other connective tissue disorders. If you experience painful erections or have difficulties during intercourse, you should consult your physician for treatment.