Male Sexual Function

Peyronie's Disease

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Peyronie's disease is a disorder affecting about 3 percent of men middle-age and older. The condition is caused by the formation of dense, fibrous scar tissue, or plaque, in the penis' tunica albuginea -- the sheath that surrounds the erectile tissue.

Due to the formation of scar tissue in the penis, patients with Peyronie's disease may experience pain and a curvature or distortion, such as a shortening or narrowing of the penis during an erection. In severe cases, these symptoms may lead to erectile dysfunction. The cause of Peyronie's disease is not completely known. However, factors such as genetics and trauma to the penis, which may occur due to injury or invasive penile procedures, may contribute to the disease.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007