PEYRONIE’S DISEASE : REPAIRING A “BENT” PENIS

Peyronie’s disease produces scarring, lumps and bumps in the penis. These abnormalities can cause the penis to bend when erect. No one knows what causes this disease, which generally affects middle-aged and older men. Sometimes a man with Peyronie’s disease, upset by the appearance of his penis, becomes psychologically unable to get an erection, although his physical system is still working well. Sex therapy and counseling may help.

The good news about Peyronie’s is that usually it gets better by itself, over time. Sometimes medical treatment seems to improve matters. For some men, however, Peyronie’s gets worse. The bend in the penis can become so severe that intercourse is difficult. For a few unfortunate men, the scarring in the penis causes them to lose their ability to get an erection.

In such advanced cases, surgical treatment may help. For men still able to become erect, the doctor can cut out the scar and patch the area with tissue taken from another part of the body. If the scarring is extensive, however, the penis may be damaged and erectile ability lost after the procedure.

Another option is for the surgeon to take a tuck on the opposite side from the bend, and literally try to straighten out the penis surgically. For men who can’t get an erection at all, the most reliable surgery is to straighten the penis and put in an implant. For many men with Peyronie’s disease who are impotent, the implant is the only alternative.

Although the different treatments discussed in this chapter provide successful solutions to many patients, they are by no means the only options. Ifs always important to explore whatever treatments are available and applicable to your case. Even after surgery restores potency, some couples find they need help adjusting. Sex therapy can be a real help to such patients.

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