Penile curvature, often caused by Peyronie’s disease, refers to an abnormal bend or curve in the penis, which can occur during an erection. While some curvature is normal, significant bending can cause discomfort, pain, and even difficulty during sexual intercourse. Dr. Pruthvi Raj Honnaiah specializes in diagnosing and treating penile curvature, offering advanced solutions to help improve sexual health and restore confidence.

Causes of Penile Curvature (Peyronie’s Disease)

Peyronie’s disease occurs when scar tissue (plaque) forms inside the penis, causing it to bend or curve. The exact cause of this scarring is not always clear, but several factors may contribute:

• Trauma or Injury: A significant injury to the penis during sexual activity, sports, or accidents can lead to the formation of scar tissue.
• Genetics: Some men may have a genetic predisposition to develop Peyronie’s disease.
• Age: Men over 40 are more likely to develop Peyronie’s disease, as the condition is more common with age.
• Connective Tissue Disorders: Men with conditions such as Dupuytren’s contracture (a hand disorder involving tissue thickening) may have a higher risk of developing Peyronie’s disease.
• Unexplained Scar Tissue Formation: In some cases, the cause of the scar tissue formation may not be related to any injury and can occur without clear explanation.

Symptoms of Penile Curvature

The most noticeable symptom of penile curvature is the abnormal bend in the penis during an erection. Other symptoms may include:

• Curvature: A bend or curve in the penis, which can vary in severity from mild to more pronounced.
• Pain: Some men experience pain during erections or with sexual activity, especially if the curvature is significant.
• Shortening of the Penis: Peyronie’s disease can cause the penis to shorten over time due to the scar tissue formation.
• Difficulty Achieving Erection: In some cases, Peyronie’s disease can lead to erectile dysfunction, making it harder to achieve or maintain an erection.
• Palpable Plaque: Men may feel a hard lump or plaque under the skin of the penis, which is often a sign of scar tissue formation.

Diagnosis of Penile Curvature

If you suspect you have penile curvature, a healthcare provider will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the bend and recommend the best course of treatment. Common diagnostic methods include:

• Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will examine the penis to assess the degree of curvature and check for any lumps or plaque under the skin.
• Erection Test: In some cases, the doctor may ask you to perform an erection test, where an erection is induced in a clinical setting to assess the extent of the curvature and its impact on sexual function.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound can help evaluate the plaque formation inside the penis and measure its size, which is useful for determining the best treatment options.
• X-rays or MRI: In some cases, imaging tests may be used to evaluate the structure of the penis and the severity of the curvature.

Treatment for Penile Curvature

Treatment for penile curvature depends on the severity of the condition and the degree of pain or erectile dysfunction. Treatment options may include:

• Medications: Oral medications, such as potassium para-aminobenzoate (Potaba), may help reduce plaque size and improve symptoms. Injections of medications like Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) may be used to break down the plaque and reduce curvature.
• Penile Traction Therapy: This therapy involves using a device that gently stretches the penis over time to reduce curvature and improve length.
• Surgery: In cases where the curvature is severe and causes significant pain or erectile dysfunction, surgery may be considered. Surgical options include:
  • Plication: A surgical procedure that shortens the side of the penis opposite the plaque, which can straighten the penis.
  • Incision or Excision with Grafting: A procedure where the plaque is surgically removed or incised, followed by grafting to restore the penis’ shape and length.
  • Penile Prosthesis: For men with significant erectile dysfunction, a penile prosthesis may be implanted to provide support for erections.
• Shockwave Therapy: Low-intensity shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that may help reduce plaque and improve erectile function.
• Vitamin E and Other Supplements: Some men benefit from using supplements such as Vitamin E to help manage symptoms and promote healing, although the effectiveness of these treatments varies.

Why Choose Dr. Pruthvi Raj for Treatment of Penile Curvature?

Dr. Pruthvi Raj Honnaiah is a highly experienced urologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Peyronie’s disease and penile curvature. With a compassionate and personalized approach, Dr. Raj provides effective treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique condition, ensuring improved outcomes and enhanced sexual health.