Peyronie’s disease

Symptoms include the appearance of a new curvature of the erect penis, a palpable nodule or induration on the penis, sometimes accompanied by pain. Shortening or an “hourglass” deformity are also possible.

Early intervention, in the active phase, gives the best results: shock waves, injections (PRP), penile traction and smoking cessation can limit plaque formation and the progression of curvature.

Only when the condition has been stable for at least 6 months and the curvature significantly prevents or hinders intercourse. Plication or grafting is then discussed depending on the degree of curvature and the quality of erections.

It can be accompanied by erectile dysfunction, due to anxiety, pain, or associated vascular damage. In severe cases combining curvature and erectile dysfunction, a penile implant can correct both problems in a single procedure.

Ideally, you should consult a doctor as soon as the first symptoms appear (pain during erection, sensation of a lump or hardening, beginning of curvature). Early intervention, during the active (inflammatory) phase of the disease, can relieve pain and allow for the implementation of solutions (mechanical therapy, medication) to try to limit the worsening of the deformity. It is not necessary to wait until the disease is stable to consult a doctor; quite the opposite.

The goal of treatment is to restore a functional penis that allows for satisfying and pain-free sexual intercourse. While the results are often very satisfactory, it is rare to recover a penis that is exactly the same as it was before the illness (perfect straightness or initial length).

Peyronie’s disease often leads to penile retraction (loss of length). To counteract this, a combined approach is often recommended: Mechanical therapy, which applies progressive tension to stretch the tissues; and PRP injections, injected directly into the penis, which promote tissue regeneration and vascularization, thus improving tissue elasticity. The benefit of this combination: PRP helps soften tissues and make them more elastic. When combined with stretching exercises (vacuum/extensor), it facilitates length recovery and optimizes results compared to traction alone.

Average duration: Conservative treatments (extensor, injections, medications) often need to be continued for at least 6 months, or even a year, to be effective. Consistency is key: For mechanical therapy (extensor/vacuum), results depend directly on daily attendance (several hours per day) over the long term.

As with any surgical procedure, there is no such thing as “zero risk,” even though techniques are now standardized and well-established. Beyond general risks (infection, hematoma), there are specific side effects that must be discussed before making a decision: Penile shortening: This is the most frequent consequence. Most straightening techniques (especially plication) involve shortening the healthy side to correct the curvature. Erectile dysfunction: There is a risk of developing or worsening erectile dysfunction. This risk is higher with grafting techniques (incision of the plate) than with simple plication techniques. Sensational disturbances: A loss of sensation or numbness in the glans may occur. Fortunately, this is usually temporary, and sensitivity gradually returns. Suture perception: It is sometimes possible to feel small nodules (the knots of the sutures) under the skin of the penis.