SYMPTOMS*
Not every Peyronie's disease sufferer may experience the same symptoms, but in general symptoms may include:
- A change in shape of the penis during erection, such as curvature, indentation, or shortening
- Reduced flexibility in the penis that causes pain and forces it to bend or arc during erection
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful intercourse for either partner
- Painful erection
Peyronie's disease is not
- Cancerous, but in rare cases some cancers may present with similar symptoms so be sure to check with your doctor
- Sexually transmitted
DISEASE PROGRESSION*
If left untreated, roughly 40% of men with Peyronie's disease will experience a progression of the disease, 47% will experience no change and 13% will have disease regression over time.
Phase 1: Acute Inflammatory Stage
The acute inflammatory stage can last from 6-18 months. Sufferers may experience pain; varying degrees of penile curvature, shortening, or indentation; and the formation of a lump of scar tissue.
Phase 2: The Chronic Stage
In the chronic stage a stable plaque forms and the deformity stabilizes, which may result in erectile dysfunction or loss of penile length. Many urologists prefer to wait at least one year to surgically correct the curvature to help keep it from returning.
The progression of Peyronie's disease is not standard and will vary from patient to patient.
* Tornehl CK, Carson CC, Peyronie's disease surgery: Which technique for which patients. Cont. Urol, 2004; Vol 16, No6.
