Peyronie’s disease is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the penis when erect, and may cause erectile dysfunction. Peyronie’s disease affects men of all ages, and is caused by scar tissue in the erectile tissue that prevents straightening of the penis with erection.

Congenital penile curvature, is a malformation that occurs during an early stage of development. It might not be noticed until puberty when erections become more common.

Treatments for Peyronie’s Disease/congenital penile curvature

Oral Medications

While controlled studies have not shown clear benefit, there have been scattered reports that vitamin E, potassium aminobenzoate (potaba), colchicine, topical verapamil cream, pentoxiphylline and others may help.

Topical Therapy

Mild to moderate cases of Peyronie’s disease can sometimes be effectively treated with transdermal electrically stimulated delivery (iontophoresis) of a steroid (dexamethasone) and calcium channel blocker (verapamil). With this method, the medication is applied directly to the skin and is absorbed into the scar tissue or “plaque”.

Steroids and verapamil can reduce fibrous tissue and ease pain. They may also be delivered by injection directly into the plaque.

Surgery

When Peyronie’s Disease/ congenital penile curvature cause a severely curved penis with pain or sexual dysfunction surgery is an option. The options are to lengthen the shortened side of the penis, or in less severe cases to shorten the opposite unaffected side of the penis. These procedures may be combined with a penile prosthesis implant when there is severe associated erectile dysfunction.