A noticeable bend or curve in the penis during an erection often leads people to wonder about the cause and whether they were born with the condition. This article clarifies the nature of Peyronie’s Disease (PD) and distinguishes it from other types of penile curvature.
What Exactly is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s Disease is characterized by the formation of non-elastic scar tissue, often called fibrous plaques, within the penile structure. This plaque develops beneath the skin, specifically in the tunica albuginea, the dense sheath surrounding the spongy erectile tissue (corpus cavernosum). The tunica albuginea normally stretches and expands uniformly when the penis fills with blood during an erection.
When scar tissue replaces a section of this sheath, that area loses its natural elasticity and cannot stretch with the rest of the tissue. This uneven expansion causes the penis to bend, curve, or sometimes develop an indentation during an erection. The location and size of the fibrous plaque determine the direction and degree of the resulting curvature, which can lead to difficulty with sexual intercourse. The condition can also cause painful erections, especially in its initial stages, and may lead to a noticeable shortening of the penis.
Acquired Versus Congenital Penile Curvature
Peyronie’s Disease is an acquired condition, meaning it develops over time and is not present from birth. It is a disorder of wound healing, where localized trauma or inflammation triggers an abnormal response that leads to the formation of fibrotic plaques. The median age for the onset of PD symptoms is typically between 55 and 60 years, though it can affect men of any age.
In contrast, a person who has a curved penis from a young age is most likely experiencing Congenital Penile Curvature (CPC), also known as developmental curvature. This condition is present since birth or becomes apparent during puberty and is caused by a developmental irregularity, such as a disproportionate length of the tunica albuginea on one side. CPC does not involve the scar tissue or plaque formation that defines Peyronie’s Disease.
Identifying Risk Factors for Peyronie’s Disease
Since PD is an acquired condition, its development is linked to several factors that increase the likelihood of the body forming scar tissue in the tunica albuginea. The leading hypothesis is that PD results from repeated minor trauma to the erect penis, often during sexual activity, which initiates a faulty healing process. Many men with PD cannot recall a specific injury, suggesting that microtrauma sustained during normal intercourse may be enough to trigger the condition in susceptible individuals.
Genetic predisposition plays a role, as men with a family history of the disease have a higher risk. PD is also associated with certain connective tissue disorders, most notably Dupuytren’s contracture, which causes the fingers to pull inward. Underlying health conditions can also increase risk, including diabetes, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. Advancing age is another factor, as the condition becomes more common in men between the ages of 45 and 70.
When to Seek Medical Consultation
It is advisable to seek medical consultation if you observe symptoms associated with the onset of Peyronie’s Disease. A noticeable bend or curve in the erect penis that was not previously present warrants a doctor’s visit. This is important if the curvature is progressively worsening or causing difficulty with sexual intercourse.
Pain during an erection is a common symptom in the acute, or early, phase of the disease and should prompt a discussion with a healthcare provider. Other signs that necessitate a consultation include the ability to feel a lump or band of hard tissue under the skin, or if you experience a noticeable shortening of the penis. Early assessment by a specialist, such as a urologist, can help manage pain and potentially prevent the progression of curvature.