Sexual life is a critical element that directly affects both the physical and psychological well-being of individuals. However, sexual dysfunctions commonly seen in society can significantly reduce the quality of life. Although psychological factors often lie at the root of these problems, sometimes direct physical ailments can play a triggering role. Leading these ailments is Peyronie's disease (penile curvature), which causes deformity due to fibrous plaques forming in the penis tissue.  

Common especially in middle-aged and older men, this disease causes pain during sexual intercourse, curvature during erection, and functional disorders, and its severity can vary from person to person. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment options, the quality of life can be largely preserved. Treatment methods include medication, injections applied to the penis, and surgical interventions when necessary. Today, these techniques are effectively used both to correct the curvature and to reduce pain. Specialists from Adana Private Yaşam Center explained the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment methods of penile curvature (Peyronie's) disease, which are subjects of curiosity.

What is Penile Curvature (Peyronie's)?

Penile curvature (Peyronie's) is the condition where the penis loses its normal straight appearance during hardening (erection) and bends at an abnormal angle upwards, downwards, or to the sides. This curvature mostly results from Peyronie's disease, which develops with hard fibrous plaques in the sheath called the tunica albuginea in the penis. This structural profile can negatively affect sexual function and lead to loss of self-confidence, performance anxiety, and general psychological distress in the individual.

What are the Symptoms of Peyronie's (Penile Curvature)?

Symptoms in Peyronie's disease do not follow a fixed course. The location and size of the hardened tissues (plaques) formed in the penis determine the severity and type of symptoms. While some people only see a slight curvature or a small palpable hardness, in others, this situation can lead to significant pain or deformity during erection. Peyronie's disorder mostly manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• The penis may bend at a significant angle during erection.
• This situation can cause pain and discomfort, especially at the moment of hardening.
• Depending on the severity of the curvature, sexual intercourse may become difficult or completely impossible.

What are the Causes of Penile Curvature (Peyronie's)?

Penile curvature can occur due to both congenital and later-developed factors. Since curvature can create negative effects on sexual function and psychological health, determining its cause correctly is of great importance in the treatment process. Penile curvature is basically divided into two main types according to its cause.

Congenital Penile Curvature (Birth Curvature)

It occurs during fetal development due to the length difference between the two spongy tissues of the penis (corpus cavernosum) or the incorrect position of the urinary tract (hypospadias). It mostly makes itself felt during the puberty stage. Unlike Peyronie's disease, plaque formation and pain are generally not seen in the penis.

Acquired Penile Curvature (Peyronie's Disease)

It appears with hardened tissues (plaques) formed in the outer layer of the penis (tunica albuginea). These plaques create an area that loses its elasticity, causing the penis to shorten and curve in the relevant region. It usually starts in adulthood and is frequently associated with pain, erection problems, and shortening of the penis length.

What Stages Does Diagnosis and Evaluation Consist of in Penile Curvature?

Comprehensive evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. The type and severity of penile curvature and accompanying complaints play a critical role in determining the correct treatment approach. The following steps are followed during the evaluation stage:

History and Physical Examination: First, the patient's complaints are heard. The direction and angle of the curvature, the presence of pain during hardening, and symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) are questioned in detail. In the physical examination, the location and hardness of the plaques, the general structure of the penis, and other possible abnormalities are evaluated.

Photo Evaluation: Photos taken during full erection are used to objectively measure the angle and direction of the curvature. This method helps in the detailed analysis of the curvature along with clinical examination and provides a reference in treatment planning.

Penile Doppler Ultrasonography: Doppler ultrasound is considered the gold standard method for evaluating the size and location of plaques and the blood flow to the penis. This examination is of critical importance in detecting the exact position of plaques and blood flow problems that may occur during hardening, especially in patients considering surgery or injection treatment.

What are the Treatment Methods for Penile Curvature (Peyronie's)?

In Peyronie's disease, the severity of the disease varies from person to person. Therefore, early diagnosis is of great importance both to prevent functional loss and to protect the quality of life. In treatment planning, the patient's age, sexual function status, and the effect of the complaints on the quality of life are also taken into account.

Medication: In the early stage of the disease, oral supports and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to limit plaque formation and prevent its progression.

Injection Applications: For the purpose of softening the plaques and reducing the curvature, FDA-approved injections such as Collagenase, applied directly to the fibrotic tissue, offer an effective option.

Surgical Intervention: Surgical methods are preferred in advanced curvatures that do not respond to medication and injection treatment and that make sexual intercourse difficult or prevent it. Surgical techniques include plication (folding) and grafting (patching) methods; each is chosen according to the type of disease and the anatomical structure of the penis.

Regular follow-up and rehabilitation after treatment help prevent the recurrence of the curvature and preserve sexual function. In addition, psychological support is an important element that increases the quality of life, especially in patients experiencing pain, performance anxiety, and loss of self-confidence.

How are Peyronie's Disease Treatment Prices Determined?

The cost of Peyronie's disease treatment varies according to the method to be applied, the degree of curvature, and the stage of the disease. Medical treatments and injection applications are generally less costly than surgery. In surgical interventions, the technique used (plication or grafting), the duration of the operation, and additional follow-up processes are the main factors affecting the price. Additionally, the location of the center and the level of expertise play a role in pricing.

In Which Provinces Does Private Yaşam Center Provide Service for Peyronie's Disease Treatment?

Private Yaşam Center offers Peyronie's disease and other genital aesthetic treatments in its Adana-based clinic. Clients coming from surrounding provinces such as Mersin, Osmaniye, Konya, Kayseri, Nevşehir, Gaziantep, and Hatay can also receive service from the center.