Peyronie’s Disease Services Offered in Upper East Side, New York, NY
Peyronie’s disease is surprisingly common, as it affects 10% of adult men. But having a common condition doesn’t provide much comfort when you have painful erections due to a penile curvature. Reconstructive urologist Gregory Amend, MD, in the Upper East Side neighborhood of New York City, New York, specializes in men’s sexual health, helping them to overcome embarrassing and difficult conditions such as Peyronie’s disease. Call the office or request an appointment to learn more about the condition.
Peyronie’s Disease Q & A
What is Peyronie’s disease?
Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which plaque or scar tissue underneath the skin of your penis causes an abnormal penile curvature. The curve appears when you have an erection because the plaque stops that area of your penis from enlarging.
Instead of a normal erection, your erection bends around the scar tissue, creating a curve. If the scar tissue wraps around the penis, you’ll have an hourglass shape during an erection rather than a curvature.
What causes Peyronie’s disease?
Peyronie’s disease begins as localized inflammation and then gradually causes a scar. You may develop the inflammation when your penis is damaged during vigorous sports or sexual intercourse. An underlying health condition could also cause inflammation.
Your risk of developing Peyronie’s disease is higher if you have a connective tissue disorder or autoimmune disorder, or a close family member also has the condition. Diabetes and smoking may also contribute to scar tissue.
What symptoms develop due to Peyronie’s disease?
In addition to a curved penis, you may experience:
- Hard lumps in the area of the scar tissue
- Painful erections
- Soft erections
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Changes in the shape of your penis (smaller or shorter)
Peyronie’s disease goes through two stages. During the acute phase, the plaque continues to form and the curvature gets worse.
The second stage, called the chronic phase, begins when the plaque stops growing. After this stage begins, the curvature doesn’t get worse and pain may lessen, but ED may develop or worsen.
How do urologists treat Peyronie’s disease?
Intralesional injections
Dr. Amend may inject a medication called Xiaflex® into the plaque. Xiaflex is an enzyme that breaks down the tissue, reduces penile curving, and improves erectile dysfunction.Surgery
After you reach the second stage, Dr. Amend may recommend one of several types of surgery. For example, he may remove the scar tissue, shorten the side of your penis that doesn’t have plaque, or lengthen the side that does have plaque.Penile implants
If you also have erectile dysfunction due to your Peyronie’s disease, you may be a good candidate for a penile implant. An implant can help straighten your penis during an erection.Don’t wait to get rid of the pain and restore your sex life. Contact the office of Gregory Amend, MD, or request an appointment today.