Corpus cavernosum penis is one of the two pairs of the spongy region of the erectile tissue of penis. These structures fill blood during erection of penis as there is a drainage system of veins around it. These two pairs of corpora cavernosa are surrounded by a layer of fibrous connective tissue known as Tunica Albugenia which is directly involved in erection.
Peyronie’s disease, which is also known as ‘Induratio penis plastica’, is the chronic inflammatory condition of tunica albugenia. It involves the formation of fibrous plaques or scar underneath the skin of penis on its soft tissue and this disease is also known as ‘Chronic Inflammation of Tunica Albugenia (CITA)’.
Although the real cause of this disease is not yet well understood, still, trauma to the penis is thought to be the reason behind the occurrence of Peyronie’s disease.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
The cases of Peyronies disease may range from severe to mild and the symptoms of this disease may develop slowly or may appear suddenly.
Curvature of Penis
A significant symptom of Peyronie’s is the curvature of penis. The penis may bend forwards, backwards or it may bend to one side.
Scar Tissue Formation
As mentioned earlier, Peyronie’s disease involves the formation of scar tissue underneath the skin of penis. Hence, the affected male may feel some lumps or bands under the skin of penis.
Shortening of Penis
Due to the formation of plaque or scar tissue, the penis tends to bend in a direction which in relation with the position of the scar tissue. If the plaque develops on the top of the shaft of penis, it will cause upward bending of penis.
If the plaque is formed on the underside of the shaft, the penis will bend downwards, whereas, if the plaque is formed on both the sides of the shaft, the penis will become shorter. Hence, shortening of penis may be one of the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease.
Narrowing of Penis
Narrowing of penis may also be one of the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease.
Pain is also counted as one of the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease. Pain in penis may occur due to erection, intercourse, orgasm or even may be upon touching. The pain may subside over time in some cases but the bend in penis may remain.
Peyronie’s disease may also cause problems in erection of penis. The affected penis may be forced to bend or arc during erection.
Severe effects of Peyronie’s Disease
The severe effects of Peyronie’s disease may involve reduction in flexibility of penis because of hardening which is caused due to scar formation.
Problems During Sexual Intercourse
As a result of Peyronie’s disease, there is a bending in penis during erection. Also, pain may occur during penetration. This may cause problems during sexual intercourse.
Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease
Treatment of Peyronie’s disease involves medication and supplements, surgery and physical therapy.
Medication and Supplements
Supplements of vitamin E in combination with colchicine have shown some effects in slowing down progression of the disease.
Surgery for Peyronie’s disease is performed by highly skilled urological surgeons and is the last option for treating Peyronie’s disease.
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