Penile Curvature
As you age, your prostate gland can become enlarged, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is typically treated with lifestyle changes or medication. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply. These additional cells cause your prostate gland to swell, which squeezes the urethra and limits urine flow. BPH isn’t the same as prostate cancer and doesn’t increase your risk for cancer. However, it can cause symptoms that can affect your quality of life. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications.
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Symptoms
- Your penis appearing to twist or rotate (penile torsion).
- Lumps in your penis.
- A loss of length in your erect (hard) penis.
- Loss of girth in your penis shaft. Your shaft may look like it has an indent or an hourglass shape.
- Difficulty getting or keeping an erection.
- Your erection not being as hard as it used to be.
- Pain when you have an erection.
- Pain or difficulty while having sexual intercourse.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Stress.
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Causes
- Penile Trauma
- Genetics
- Connective Tissue Disorders
- Age
- Inflammation
- Sexual Activity
- Medical Procedures
- Smoking
- Medications
- Hormonal Imbalance
Complications
Complications of Penile Curvature include:
Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)
Painful Erections (During intercourse or masturbation)
Difficulty with Intercourse
Psychological Distress (Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Stress)
Penile Shortening
Penile Deformity
Difficulty with Penetrative Sexual Activity
Reduced Sexual Satisfaction
Reduced Penile Sensation
Difficulty Achieving Orgasm
FAQ
Penile curvature, also known as Peyronie's disease, is a condition characterized by abnormal bending or curvature of the penis during erection. Unlike normal penile anatomy, where the penis typically remains straight during erection, Peyronie's disease causes noticeable curvature, which can affect sexual function and intimacy.
Common symptoms of Peyronie's disease include penile curvature or bending during erection, pain or discomfort during erection, penile deformity, difficulty with sexual intercourse, and psychological distress related to changes in penile appearance and function.
Peyronie's disease can develop due to various factors, including penile trauma or injury, genetics, connective tissue disorders, age-related changes in penile tissue, inflammation, sexual activity, certain medical procedures, smoking, medications, and hormonal imbalances.
Diagnosis of Peyronie's disease typically involves a physical examination of the penis to assess curvature and palpate scar tissue, along with a medical history review. Additional tests such as penile ultrasound or imaging studies may be conducted to evaluate the extent of penile curvature and assess for any underlying conditions.
Treatment options for Peyronie's disease vary depending on the severity of symptoms and may include medications (such as collagenase injections or oral treatments), penile traction therapy, shockwave therapy, penile implants, or surgery (such as penile plication or grafting procedures).
While lifestyle changes cannot cure Peyronie's disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding behaviors that may exacerbate symptoms (such as rough intercourse or penile trauma), and managing underlying conditions (such as hypertension or diabetes) may help alleviate symptoms and improve overall penile health.
Untreated Peyronie's disease can lead to complications such as erectile dysfunction, pain during intercourse, penile deformity or shortening, difficulty achieving orgasm, and psychological distress, which may impact sexual function and overall quality of life.
Peyronie's disease primarily affects penile anatomy and function but typically does not directly impact fertility or sexual desire. However, the psychological effects of the condition, as well as physical discomfort or difficulty with intercourse, may affect sexual satisfaction and intimacy.
While Peyronie's disease itself is not considered a precursor to penile cancer, it is essential to monitor any changes in penile health and seek medical evaluation for any new or concerning symptoms, as some penile abnormalities may warrant further investigation or treatment.
The frequency of follow-up appointments for Peyronie's disease depends on individual factors such as the severity of symptoms, chosen treatment plan, and response to treatment. Regular follow-up visits with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor symptoms, assess treatment effectiveness, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
