Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie’s disease is the hardening of tissue in the penis.  It is characterised by fibrous and sometimes calcified, palpable scar tissue of the tunica albuginea.  It can result in painful erections and deformity of the penis.  This deformity can be in the form of bending, narrowing, hinging and shortening of the penis and may cause difficulties with sexual intercourse.

Peyronie's disease occurs in approximately 3% of men (1 in 33).  Although it occurs mostly in middle-age, it can occur at any age.  About 10% of people with Peyronie's disease develop fibrosis (scarring) in other elastic tissues of the body such as the palm or sole of the foot.   A common example is a condition known as Dupuytren's contracture of the hand.  Three per cent of men with Dupuytren’s contracture have Peyronie’s disease.  In some men with Peyronie's disease, there is a clear familial tendency.

There is an association as well with high blood pressure, diabetes, raised cholesterol levels, ischaemic heart disease and arteriosclerosis as well as with certain drugs (beta-blockers, anti-ulcer agents, antidepressants and antihistamines).

In the majority of cases Peyronie's disease requires no treatment particularly if the deformity is minimal and there is no functional impairment.  Improvement in symptoms may take 12 - 18 months but the disease itself may not disappear completely.

Surgery is only recommended in long-term cases where the disease has stabilised and where the deformity prevents intercourse.  Because the plaque usually shrinks or disappears without treatment, medical experts suggest waiting one to two years before undertaking surgical correction.  Spontaneous improvement is seen in 60 - 70% of patients.

The information on this website is provided to reinforce any advice you have received from your GP and others involved in your care and is not intended to replace discussions with your doctor.