There is quite a bit of variation in the size, shape, and curvature of a normal penis. Many men have slight curvature of the erect penis. It may bend slightly to the left or the right. It may even curve slightly up or downward. This is known as congenital curvature, and has no effect on the internal anatomy of the penis. Congenital curvature generally causes no concern, either physical or psychological. However, there is a more extreme condition of penile curvature called Peyronie’s Disease, which is abnormal and can cause more serious symptoms.

What is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s Disease is an abnormal, sometimes extreme curvature of the penis which is caused by scarring and plaque formation on the internal tissue within the penis. When the penis is erect, the inflexible scar tissue does not stretch, causing curving on the side of the scarring. Peyronie’s Disease is also called chronic inflammation of the tunica albuginea, which is the fibrous envelope made up of collagen and elastin surrounding the penis. It is considered a connective tissue disorder, and often seen in conjunction with other conditions involving connective tissue. It is more often seen in older men, but has been known to occur in men as young as eighteen.

Causes of Peyronie’s Disease
The exact cause of Peyronie’s Disease is unknown. Because it is often seen in members of the same family, it is thought that there may be an inherited, genetic component. Men who have Peyronie’s Disease are also somewhat more likely to have other connective tissue conditions, such as Dupuytren’s Contracture of the hand, which causes thickening and scarring of the tendons in the palm and makes the fingers curve permanently downward.

Despite any predisposition to the condition, it is also thought that Peyronie’s Disease frequently first presents after an injury, such as a blow to the penis, or damage caused by vigorous sexual activity. Often the man is not even aware of having received such an injury.

Symptoms of Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie’s Disease typically presents as curvature of the penis, which may be mild or extreme. Although this is the usual symptom, some men with Peyronie’s Disease can exhibit dips or indentations in the shaft of the penis instead. The penis might even develop an hourglass shape when erect, with a constriction in the middle. Frequently, the penis will appear shorter because of the contraction of tissues.

Peyronie’s Disease can sometimes cause pain during erection. It can also cause the penis to bend to such an extreme angle that penetration is impossible.

How to Diagnose Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s Disease can frequently be diagnosed by a general practitioner based on visual clues alone. Your health care practitioner will ask some questions about when you first noticed your symptoms, how quickly they progressed, and what symptoms you are feeling now. It might be necessary for your health care practitioner to see your penis in its erect state. (This might also be accomplished by a photograph.)

The next step might be an X-ray to view what damage has already been done to underlying tissues. Doppler flow analysis can also be used to find out whether there is any (or sufficient) blood flow to the end of the penis during erection.

How Peyronie’s Disease Can Be Treated
There are surgical, medical, and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease.

An oral treatment of Vitamin E and colchicine has been used to slow the progression of Peyronie’s Disease. A more frequent treatment is to inject a substance into the plaques or scar tissue in the hopes of dissolving the undesired collagen.

Physical therapy, including the use of penis extenders, can help in stretching the normally inflexible scar tissue. In this method, the penis is gently stretched longitudinally. Though some patients report relief, it is unknown what the long term effects of using this method are.

Surgery to remove the scarring is considered a last resort. It is an extremely delicate procedure which can result in penile shortening. Sometimes an implanted penile prosthesis is needed in conjunction with surgery.

Research and Studies on Peyronie’s Disease
The FDA recently approved a new injectable drug for the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease. Known as collagenase clostridium histolyticum, it helps to break down the excess collagen that causes scarring.

Though there is no cure for Peyronie’s Disease, there are several treatment options. Most men with the condition continue to have a completely normal sex life. Those with physical pain or emotional problems from the disease should consult their health practitioner.

About Author:
Steve Martin is a freelance writer and blogger,and in this article he writes about peyronie’s disease, its causes, symptoms,how to diagnose it and how this disease can be treated. Along with all this he also writes about research and studies on peyronie’s disease.