Is Peyronie’s Disease Common?

An abnormal curvature of the penis is called Peyronie’s disease. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), approximately 1% of men in the U.S. have been diagnosed with the condition, but more than 10% of men are believed to actually have it.

Peyronie’s disease is caused by internal scar tissue in the penis that is pulling at the skin, and not allowing that area to be flexible. The curvature can therefore cause you to experience painful erections. You might even have pain when your penis is flaccid.

Let’s talk about the factors involved in developing Peyronie’s disease, and where you can go in Charlotte and Concord for an evaluation and treatment that works for you.

Why Do I Have Peyronie’s Disease?

There are a number of reasons why a man may have a curved penis, including the following:

Injury

An injury to the penis could lead to scar buildup inside the organ, therefore causing this condition. It is not yet completely understood why some men develop Peyronie’s disease after an injury while other men heal normally, without scar tissue buildup.

Heredity

Heredity can play a role in the onset of Peyronie’s disease. If your father has it or had it, then your chances of having it are greater than if you didn’t have the condition in your family history.

Connective-Tissue Disorders

If you have any connective-tissue disorders, such as Dupuytren’s contracture, then you may have a higher likelihood of developing Peyronie’s disease. This is because the strength and integrity of your connective tissue may be compromised throughout your body.

Scleroderma also contributes to an abnormal growth of connective tissue. This chronic condition appears to have an association with Peyronie’s.

Autoimmune Disorders

An autoimmune disorder can also place you at a higher risk. For example, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) can make you susceptible to connective-tissue problems, which may lead to developing Peyronie’s disease.

Sports

Men who participate in high-impact sports may also be at a heightened risk of developing Peyronie’s, because they may suffer an injury to the groin area that results in scar tissue in the penis. Sports that can easily cause an injury to the area include basketball and football.

After Prostate Surgery

Certain types of prostate surgery seem to play a role as well. Medical experts believe that this is related to the erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by the surgery.

Urologist to Treat Peyronie’s Disease in Concord, NC

With many years of successful experience treating men’s sexual health issues including Peyronie’s disease, Richard Natale, MD understands how to diagnose and treat each man’s condition on an individual level. Dr. Natale is a skilled urologist who knows that you would prefer the most minimally invasive treatment possible, but that what you truly want is a solution that works for you on a long-term basis.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Natale, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (704) 786-5131 or by filling out our easy-to-use online form now. We look forward to helping you achieve optimum wellness and ultimate sexual health.