Peyronie's disease is a condition in which the formation of fibrous scar tissue in the penis causes pain, curvature, and distortion, usually during erection. The tissue or lump occurs in the elastic tissue or tunica albuginea, that surrounds the corpora cavernosa or erection chambers of the penis.

The scar tissue usually produces a firm area or plaque, which usually develops on the top of the shaft, causing the penis to bend upward during erection, but it may occur on the bottom, causing a downward bend. If plaque develops on the top and the bottom, that will shorten the penis length.

However, there are certain misconceptions that men relate with this condition. Not all bending of penis is associated with it. It is important to remember that a degree of upward bend of the erect penis is quite normal and not a feature of Peyronies disease. Moreover, noticing a lump in the penis can be a frightening experience for men. They infer that they have developed a cancer. But cancer within the penile shaft is very rare indeed; the main culprit for such a lump is in fact the Peyronie's disease.

The condition is most prevalent between the ages of 45 and 60, but it can happen in the young and the elderly men alike. The main problem with this condition is that it may finally result erectile dysfunction or impotence. And the problem is compounded by the fact that Peyronie's disease is the most under-reported medical condition. Because men do not to seek medical attention out of reluctance and shame unless the condition is severe.

The cause of Peyronie's disease is usually injury to the penis during sexual intercourse but it may result from various causes. The injury may also be caused by medical procedures, like catheterization, in which a tube is passed into the urinary bladder to pass urine, or injections to the penis for treating impotence. In rare cases, the disease has a tendency to run in certain families. More men with Peyronie's disease seem to be affected by hypertension and hardening of the arteries. Diabetes may also be associated with this disease as it is responsible damaging the blood vessels.

Treatment options for patients with Peyronie's disease are limited. Treatment is generally provided to reduce pain and maintain sexual function. Non-surgical treatments are available but there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of drug treatment.

No surgical treatment should be started within 6 months of the onset of symptoms and before the plaque has calcified. Vitamin E and B-complex substance have been shown to improve pain in 30 to 60 per cent of affected men. Chemical agents such as a calcium channel-blocker, enzymes like verapamil that break down connective tissue, and steroids may be injected into plaque to reduce pain, deformity and lump size.

Because Peyronie's disease may resolve without any intervention, surgery is not suggested for one or two years following onset of signs and symptoms of the disease. . Surgery should be done only to correct penile deformity and remove the hard deformed tissue.

Peyronie's disease can sometimes be cured spontaneously. Treat Peyronie's disease within 6 months of its onset so that you can maintain good sexual health. There are certain psychological effects of Peyronie's disease so it is sensible on your part to come forward to treat the condition. Seek medical help if the condition is affecting your life, sexual performance and personal relationships.