Peyronie's disease treatment
Peyronie's disease is scar tissue (plaque) inside the penis that can cause a curve, painful erections, shortening and erectile dysfunction.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Chirag Dave
Key facts
- An estimated 1% of men have some degree of Peyronie's disease.
- It often starts with a sudden, sometimes painful, curve of the erect penis.
- Ultrasound measures the plaque, the curve and blood flow to plan treatment.
- We treat it with Xiaflex® injections, plication surgery, and penile implants with straightening.
Symptoms
- A bend in the erect penis
- Pain with erections or intercourse
- Difficulty with penetration
- Shortening of the penis
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Narrowing of part of the shaft ("hourglass" deformity)
Low testosterone is commonly seen in men with Peyronie's disease. See low T treatment.
Evaluation
A penile ultrasound, done after medicine is injected to produce an erection, measures plaque size, the degree of curvature and blood flow. The results are used to build an individual plan.
Treatments we offer
Xiaflex® injections
Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) is injected into the plaque to break down some of the scar tissue, combined with gentle modeling of the penis by the clinician. It is for men with stable disease, intact erections and a curve of 30 to 90 degrees.
Plication
Plication places permanent sutures on the side opposite the curve to straighten the penis. It shortens the erect penis somewhat and has the lowest risk of later ED among Peyronie's surgeries. It suits men whose erections are still good enough for intercourse.
Penile implant with straightening
For men with Peyronie's disease and ED that has not responded to other treatment, a penile implant restores erections, and the penis is straightened during the same operation. Men's Health Georgia is a Coloplast Center of Excellence since 2016.
Frequently asked questions
What causes Peyronie's disease?
The exact cause is unknown. A genetic tendency toward abnormal scar tissue is likely, and in some men it follows an injury, such as sudden painful bending during intercourse.
Can Peyronie's disease go away on its own?
In a small percentage of men, curvature improves over time with or without treatment. Many men need treatment to reduce curvature or restore function.
Who is a candidate for Xiaflex?
Xiaflex® is an option for men with stable Peyronie's disease, intact erectile function and a curvature between 30 and 90 degrees. It is given as one to four 2-day injection cycles combined with modeling by the clinician.
When is surgery recommended?
Surgery is typically reserved for severe curvature or ED that prevents intercourse. Plication may be used when erections are preserved; a penile implant with straightening is an option when ED has not responded to other treatment.
Physicians who see patients for this
Talk with a urologist
Appointments at 14 Advanced Urology offices across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. Find an office.