Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease is a deforming condition of the penis and may be associated with plaque formation, penile curvature, erectile dysfunction, and pain. Many men may feel a well-defined plaque, usually on the upper side of the penis. While erect, the penile curvature may be painful and associated with a decreased strength of erection and penile shortening. Peyronie’s disease may affect about 5% of adult men. It is believed that this condition may develop as a result of an injury during sex, although it may also occur spontaneously without an identifiable cause.

Treatments for Peyronie’s disease vary depending on the severity of curvature. Photographs of the patient’s erect penis are helpful in identifying the direction and degree of curvature. At West Coast Urology, we perform a thorough evaluation by using in-office penile doppler ultrasound to demonstrate the size and degree of plaque and associated curvature. For new onset Peyronie’s, anti-inflammatory medications and more frequent erections may be helpful. Oral medications like vitamin E, tamoxifen, L-carnitine and verapamil have not been shown to be effective. Potaba is another oral medication that is rarely used today due to side effects, lack of demonstrated results, and high cost. Patients with symptomatic deformity lasting more than 12 months may benefit from in-office remodeling, and injections with Xiaflex® (collagenase) to soften the plaque. In severe cases of Peyronie’s disease with erectile dysfunction, surgery with a mechanical implant may be recommended.

For more in depth information on Peyronie’s Disease, please refer to this Urology Care Foundation™ link:
Peyronie’s Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment