How is Peyronie Curvature of the Penis and Penile Calcification Treated?

Another name for Peyronie's disease is penile curvature. However, not all penile curvature is Peyronie's disease. Congenital penile curvature is different from Peyronie's disease. Peyronie's disease, first described by Gigot de La Peyronie in 1743, is a connective tissue disorder manifested by the formation of fibrous plaques in the penis. Although it varies between individuals, the symptoms of patients are seen as anomalies such as penile curvature, shortening, narrowing, and painful erection with plaque formation in the penis. Penile curvature may be congenital or may occur later on for various reasons. The basis of congenital Peyronie's disease is the failure of one of the two spongy tissues that make the penis erect, and the curve of the penis to this undeveloped side. The penile curvature disorder that occurs afterward is usually seen in individuals over the age of 50. Between the spongy tissue that hardens the penis and the sheath that surrounds this tissue calcification of the penis caused by Peyronie's disease. It is more common in diabetic patients.

How is Peyronie's Disease Diagnosed?

Congenital penile curvature, also known as the Sunnah of the Prophet, does not cause plaque formation or pain as in Peyronie's disease. Therefore, the biggest difference between congenital penile curvature and Peyronie's disease is painful erection. The first symptom of Peyronie's disease is pain during erection. Under normal conditions, the penis is at a ninety-degree angle when erected. Apart from this, curves to the right, left, down or up indicate penile curvature. In addition to penile curvature, Peyronie's disease also presents with painful erection, shortening of the penis size, palpable hardness in the penis or erectile dysfunction.

What Are the Stages and Symptoms of Peyronie's Disease?

The initial stage of Peyronie's disease is defined as the acute stage, and the later stage is defined as the chronic stage. The symptoms of Peyronie's disease vary according to the stages of the disease. The initial phase is expressed as the acute period and pains are seen in the penis during this period. However, these pains are not permanent. In this period, as the penis bends and plaque formation begins, hardness is felt on the penis. When the acute period of Peyronie's disease is not treated, it can last for approximately 18 months. Reduction or disappearance of pain in the penis and penile curvature treatment If it lasts for 3 months, it is an indication of the transition to the chronic stage. In the chronic phase, the plaques are harder than in the acute phase, and other deformities can be observed other than the curvature of the penis. The most common deformity in the acute phase of Peyronie's disease is the hourglass deformity. However, in the chronic period, shortening of the penis and Erectile dysfunction, that is, impotence, can also be seen as symptoms in patients.

What is the Frequency of Peyronie's Disease?

Peyronie's disease is generally seen in men between the ages of 40-70 and is a disease with a higher incidence over the age of 50. In a study, it was reported that approximately 32000 Peyronie's disease diagnoses were made each year and its prevalence was 0,39%. In another study, it was concluded that the prevalence of the disease varied between 0,5% and 13,1%. However, considering the low rate of admission to hospital due to sexual dysfunctions in the world in general, it can be said that these figures will be higher.