What Causes Peyronie’s Disease? Signs, Risk Factors & Prevention Tips

Fibrous scar tissue accumulates inside the tunica albuginea, an area of the penis, resulting in a condition called Peyronie’s disease. The invasive scar tissue can affect the penis in many ways. While the disease is more evident in older men, it can affect males in their 30s as well. Catch Peyronie’s disease early to avoid further complications. Get it treated the moment you see the signs. This way, your chances of a positive outcome are greater. Here are the signs, risk factors, causes, and prevention techniques for the disease.

Signs of Peyronie’s Disease

The signs of Peyronie’s disease can appear gradually or suddenly. There are certain things you must look out for so that you can get timely treatment. If left untreated, the signs could worsen and cause increased pain.

1. Plaque Formation

One of the relentless signs of Peyronie’s disease is the existence of scar tissue or plaque. This is one of the biggest indications reported by at least two-thirds of men with the disease. The appearance of the penis changes when plaque accumulates beneath its skin. Bands of tissue or hard, flat lumps may appear with plaque buildup. While the scar tissue can develop suddenly or over time, its presence can worsen the other signs of Peyronie’s disease. In some cases, the scar tissue can go all the way around the penis. At this time, you are at a higher risk of narrowing than curving of the penis.

2. Penile Curving

Another prevalent indication of Peyronie’s disease is the bending or curving of the penis, which occurs due to the collection of excessive scar tissue. The penis is less flexible at this time.

3. Shaft Narrowing

When the plaque goes all the way around the penis, it appears to narrow the shaft. The corpus cavernosum, a spongy tube on each side of the penis responsible for the straightening and stiffening of the penis during sexual arousal, can be affected by scar tissue formation.

4. Penis Shortening

When there is excessive plaque accumulation, it can directly impact the skin around the penis. The organ’s shape is also affected as the skin tightens, reducing its overall size. This shortening can worsen over time if left untreated. After about 3 to 12 months, the condition stabilizes, and it is up to the patient to ensure the symptoms of peyronie’s disease don’t worsen. You must speak to your healthcare provider from now on.

5. Painful or Soft Erections

Peyronie’s disease causes significant changes to your penis. That is why most men experience pain or erectile dysfunction. The overall quality of life is drastically affected, and medical attention becomes imperative. In only a few rare instances does Peyronie’s disease subside. Most of the time, it remains, and pain management and treatment become essential to reduce the intensity of your symptoms.

Must Read : Root Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any signs of Peyronie’s disease. You will have the opportunity to get the right treatment and reduce the possibility of worsening over time when you catch the disease early. Some of the complications of Peyronie’s disease are: Erectile dysfunction (ED), penile pain, stress and anxiety due to your penis’s appearance, difficulty having children, among others.

What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?

Affecting 6 out of 100 men, Peyronie’s disease is predominantly seen in men between 40 and 70 years. The number is presumed to be relatively higher because most men are too embarrassed to talk about their symptoms with the doctor. Most of them don’t realize that such situations aren’t new to the doctor and that you can get timely help if you speak up.

Doctors typically attribute the presence of plaque or scar tissue to a recurrent injury. While the actual cause of Peyronie’s disease is still misunderstood, these minor accidents could occur during a car crash, extreme athletic activities, aggressive sex, or other types of impacts that could directly affect your penis. However, not all men who develop Peyronie’s disease experience penile injuries. Even environmental and genetic factors can cause the disease.

Risk Factors

Just because you are at a greater risk of getting Peyronie’s disease does not mean that you will indeed get it. But there is an increased chance that you might. Here are some of the most common risk factors for Peyronie’s disease.

• Genetics: If the disease runs in the family, then you are at risk of developing it.
• Age: As your age increases, you are more susceptible to Peyronie’s disease.
• Erectile Dysfunction: If you suffer from diabetes related erectile dysfunction, then you are 4 – 5 times more likely to develop PD.
• Connective Tissue Disorder: When you suffer from connective tissue disorders such as plantar fasciitis or Dupuytren’s disease, you could develop PD.
• Autoimmune Disorders: There are some autoimmune disorders associated with PD, such as Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Prostate Cancer: If you underwent prostate cancer surgery, then you are at a greater risk of PD.

Preventing Peyronie’s Disease

To prevent PD, first reduce the risk of penile trauma, which can cause bending or snapping. This is primarily a result of aggressive sexual activity. Additionally, use sufficient lubrication to minimize friction and reduce the risk of tissue damage. Always maintain a steady thrusting motion and avoid any other movement that could twist or violently bend the penis. Guide your penis carefully during a sexual position, as it might cause accidental bending or falling out.

Check your lifestyle and habits. Ensure you maintain your health. ED can also result from poor cardiovascular health, chronic inflammation, or impaired blood flow, as it depends on how your body handles tissue repair. Furthermore, quit habits such as smoking, as nicotine can constrict blood vessels and damage tissues. Keep a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet to help reduce chronic inflammation in the body.

Treatment at Urogen ED Barrie

Urogen ED Barrie uses the latest in non-invasive technology that helps restore natural erectile function. Low-intensity Wave Therapy helps in producing longer-lasting erections and improves performance. It first breaks down the scar tissue, reduces discomfort, improves curvature and supports natural healing and elasticity.

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About the Author

Mike Wood

Mike began his lifelong passion to help increase health and performance with a Kinesiology degree from Laurentian University in 1988. For most of his career he was in electronic manufacturing, but he always remained true to his physiology educational roots. While working in the corporate world, he trained and worked as an Emergency Medical Responder. He also spent several years teaching First Aid and CPR in both full and part-time roles.

Mike's introduction to UrogenED's Pulse Acoustic Wave technology happened at the end of 2023 when he was treated to alleviate his Peyronie's Disease. In early 2024 his entrepreneurial spirit was then married with his positive treatment outcome from UrogenED and he opened the Whitby Clinic. Towards the end of 2024 Mike was given the opportunity to open the Barrie UrogenED Clinic to complement the success story that began in Whitby. It is Mike's greatest pleasure to hear the success stories of clients from both clinics.

Mike is dedicating his career to Men's Health concerns not only limited to ED. A self-diagnosed fitness and sports junkie, Mike can be found running the roads around his house and exercising in the gym. During his downtime you will find him on the golf links in the summer or snowboarding with his family in the winter.