Peyronie's Disease

The main symptoms of Peyronie's disease are curving of the penis and painful erections. Pain usually subsides after 9 to 12 months from the start of the condition. 

While penises vary in shape and size, with many having a slight bend, Peyronie’s disease may cause a severe bend in the penis when erect.

Signs and symptoms of Peyronie’s disease may include: 

• a hard lump on your penile shaft which restricts stretching during erections

• your penis may curve upwards, downwards, or sideways

• painful erections that can make having sex difficult or impossible

• problems getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction)

• other changes to your penis, such as a hard area on the top, bottom and side of your penis which causes it to shorten, making it narrower in the middle 

• in some cases, skin in other areas of your body, such as your hands and feet, may also become thicker and less flexible

The exact cause of Peyronie's disease isn't always clear. However, it’s thought that various conditions and factors may increase your risk of having the condition, including:

• injury to your penis

• diabetes

• high blood pressure

• high cholesterol

• coronary heart disease

• arteriosclerosis 

• connective tissue diseases, such as Dupuytren contracture, plantar fasciitis, and scleroderma

• autoimmune conditions, such as lupus

• certain medicines, like beta-blockers and antidepressants

• smoking

• a family history of Peyronie's disease

At your first Welbeck consultation, you’ll be seen by a consultant uroandrologist. They’ll ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history and any medications you take regularly. They’ll also perform a physical examination. 

In some cases, you may need to have an ultrasound scan to allow your consultant to examine the tissues inside your penis and help plan any surgery.

It isn’t currently possible to prevent Peyronie's disease, as the exact cause of the condition isn’t fully understood. However, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing the condition by making healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol intake. If you have diabetes, managing your condition effectively may reduce your risk of developing Peyronie's disease.

Peyronie's disease is usually treatable and not serious, but left untreated, it can lead to long-term complications, including: 

• curvature or deformity of your penis, making sex difficult or impossible 

• pain during erections

• psychological and emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem 

• relationship issues 

• erectile dysfunction

Treatments for Peyronie’s disease vary depending on how long you’ve had the condition. 

Your consultant will recommend the best course of action, which may consist of one or a combination of the following therapies:

• oral medications to slow the growth of hard tissue on your penis and break down scar tissue

• vacuum erection device (VED) or traction therapy to prevent length loss and limit curving. This involves a device that holds your penis in a cradle and applies tension to help straighten the tissue

• surgery to correct the curvature in your penis

• penile prosthesis surgery to give you stronger erections with a straighter penis

At Welbeck, our urologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.