Peyronies Disease

Peyronie's disease is a severe curvature of the erect penis. It's named after an Italian physician to King Louis XIV of France. This physician was the first to note the disorder back in the 1700s. While it is somewhat common, it is not often mentioned.

A minor bend in the erect penis is perfectly normal, as few penises are straight as an arrow. In some cases of Peyronie's, however, the penis can form a "J" or a corkscrew, making intercourse impossible.

What causes a curved penis?

The cause of Peyronie's disease is unkown. Some physicians theorize the cause of the curvature may be from trauma to the penis, perhaps if the penis is bent backward during rough sex. The injury causes an inflammation in the tunica, and subsequently leads to scarring.

There are other theories, and some reports suggest that men who take beta-blocking medications for high blood pressure develop Peyronie's.

How is the penis constructed?

The penis is composed of three cylindrical cavities. The two on top are called the corpus cavernosa, and the one on bottom the corpus spongiosum, which contains the urethra (the tube that urine flows through).

The two top corporal cavities expand to trap and hold the blood that produces an erection in the male. The bottom body, corpus spongiosum, functions mainly for the passage of urine. Each of these corporal bodies is surrounded by a very elastic covering called the tunica albuginea.

On top of the two corporal cavernosa are the superficial nerves and blood vessels of the penis.

Why does the penis curve?

In Peyronie's disease, the normal elastic tissue of the tunica is replaced by scar tissue. Normally with erection the elastic tissue of the penis expands and elongates symmetrically resulting in a straight erection. Because the plaque, or scar tissue, is not elastic, but rather hard, it will not stretch with erection.

The disease starts as a small bump or constriction on the shaft of the penis below the skin, which expands to form a flat deposit that's sometimes as large as the diameter of a silver dollar. This "plaque" invades and replaces the elastic covering of the penis with inflexible material. When a man with Peyronie's has an erection, the plaque does not expand, so the penis curves to one side.

How does a curved penis affect sexual intercourse?

A third of men with Peyronie's have pain with their erections. A few men with Peyronie's become impotent. In some cases, the head of the penis does not fill with blood.

Because inflammation is initially associated with the scar tissue, there can be some discomfort with erection and distension. Many patients complain not only about the curvature of the erection but the loss of length and girth. These are all results of the inelastic tissue and lack of distention that results.

Most patients with Peyronie's disease can continue to function sexually with the curvature in the penis. Rarely, some patients with greater distortion are unable to have satisfactory sexual intercourse.