Dealing with Peyronie’s Disease and its Symptoms
Male doctor discussing reports with patient at desk in medical office
Like most diseases that affect the male reproductive system, Peyronie’s disease is one you may never have heard of unless you have the symptoms. Even then most men choose not to talk about the condition for the fear of stigma. Yet to overcome the condition and its symptoms, it is important to understand exactly what it is. This is the only way to know what your real options are and therefore how you can beat the disease.
Peyronie’s disease is characterized by a hardening of the penis tissue. Plaque tissue forms on the lining of the erectile tissue which holds during an erection. In some cases, you may feel a hard lump that may even cause the penis to curve unnaturally. This hard lump can often prevent nor al stretching which can affect the shape and size of the erect penis which can significantly affect your ability to hold an erection.
The Causes of Peyronie’s Disease
While the main cause of this disease is not clear, it is thought to occur following repeated bumping or bending of the erect penis. This kind of trauma can often lead to tearing in the lining of the erectile tissue that can then result in the formation of the scar tissue.
These types of injuries to the penis can lead to inflammation that will heal by itself within a period of one year or less. But in some men, the healing process can take considerably longer which can lead to scaring and a Peyronie’s disease diagnosis.
There are also other factors that can come into play when determining the cause of the problem including a weakened immune system and diabetes. Both of these pre-existing conditions can hinder the healing process causing the formation of the scar tissue.
The Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
There are a number of telltale signs of Peyronie’s Disease. And there is help available for you if you experience any of them. Of course the most prominent of these symptoms is the formation of a small bump or swelling on the penis. This scarring can, however, occur over a long period of time which means that it may be a while before you notice it.
Some men will notice the problem immediately after trauma to the penis. They often report a loud “cracking” sound, pain and then bruising. But in most cases, there is no pain at all and the injury is forgotten.
If you don’t remember the injury occurring, other symptoms like pain, reduced flexibility and sometimes a visible bend in the shape of the penis may give you a clue as to the presence of Peyronie’s disease. Some men have also reported difficulty maintaining an erection since sometimes, the penis may only become hard up to the location of the scar tissue but remain flaccid past that area.
In the long run, Peyronie’s may affect normal sexual function. When left untreated, it can also give rise to many other emotional and physical health problems.
