Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's disease is a nonspecific inflammation that comprises the tunica albuginea of the penis. Male patients usually notice the onset of penile pain during an erection, followed by curvature of the penis. The majority of patients indicate no trauma and the cause of the inflammatory reaction is unknown.

In approximately 75 percent of patients, the disease is self-limited and will not require any treatment. The pain usually resolves and the bend improves or is not critical enough to affect sexual intercourse.

In about 25 percent of men with Peyronie's disease, the bend in the penis is secure enough to preclude intercourse. In this population of men the inflammatory process can extend into the penile cylinders and cause vascular damage. This will prevent the firmness of the erection, and penetration will be difficult to achieve during intercourse. This group of men are treated surgically.

Dr. Arnold Melman, Department Chairman, successfully treats the majority of patients with a variety of surgical procedures, and in many cases men have returned to normal function.