Peyronie's disease may result in an erection that curves as a result of difficulty with how the body heals after an injury; it is a connective tissue disorder. When this occurs, the body is unable to appropriately regulate the amount of scar tissue that forms, and too much eventually accumulates, developing as a lump beneath the skin of the penis. This growth is known as Peyronie's plaque.
The plaque cannot grow inside your arteries, and you may be able to feel this lump of scar tissue if you feel around the inside of the bend. The erect penis will curve upward if the plaque develops on its top, or to one side if the plaque develops on that side.
Although the precise cause of Peyronie's disease is unknown, several factors may contribute: injury to the penis during sex, an accident, or physical activity; genetics, since men with relatives who have the disease or similar disorders may be more susceptible; and age, since older men are more likely to have erections that are less rigid and more flexible.
Symptoms may include a curved erection (with or without pain), a plaque or bulge that can be felt as a result of scar tissue, and frustration that the curved erection makes sexual activity difficult. If any of this sounds familiar, our team can help you understand your treatment options.