At the end of the day, my priority is your health and well-being. Whether you're dealing with a complex urological issue or seeking advice on a sensitive matter, I am here to provide the expert care you need with the compassion and understanding you deserve.
Understandably, noticing a bend, curve, lump, or pain in your penis can be worrying. It's a personal issue, and many men hesitate to seek help due to uncertainty or embarrassment. If you're searching about a "bent penis" or penile curvature, a common cause is Peyronie's disease (sometimes referred to as Peyronie disease). You're not alone, and expert help is available for this condition.
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Key Insight: Peyronie's disease involves fibrous scar tissue (plaque) forming inside the penis, specifically within a layer called the tunica albuginea. This inelastic plaque, essentially scar tissue, disrupts normal erection mechanics, leading to bending (penile curvature), pain, and sometimes difficulty with sex or erectile dysfunction (ED). It's more common than many realise, affecting up to 1 in 10 men, particularly with age. While not usually "cured" without surgery, this disease is manageable with effective treatments focused on improving function and quality of life.
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Understanding Peyronie's: This condition centers on the tunica albuginea, where plaque (fibrous scar tissue) forms. It's often triggered by minor penile trauma leading to abnormal scarring in the tissue, potentially influenced by genetics or vascular health. The disease typically progresses through two phases: an initial Acute (Active) Phase (often painful, changing curve) and a later Stable (Chronic) Phase (pain usually resolved, curve fixed). Key risk factors include age, genetics (like Dupuytren's contracture), cardiovascular issues (diabetes, hypertension, smoking), and potential penile injury.
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Recognising the Signs: Men affected by Peyronie's typically notice one or more key symptoms. These include a distinct penile curvature or bend during erection, painful erections (especially early on), a palpable hard lump or plaque (fibrous scar tissue) beneath the skin (penile nodules), new or worsening difficulty achieving or maintaining erections (erectile dysfunction affecting sexual function), and sometimes a noticeable reduction in penile length or girth. These symptoms can appear suddenly or develop more gradually.
Getting Clarity: Determining if you have Peyronie's disease involves a careful process. It starts with discussing your specific symptoms and medical history. A physical examination helps identify the characteristic plaque (fibrous scar tissue). Critically, we need to objectively measure any curvature. This is often best achieved through erection photographs you take privately at home (following specific guidelines, ideally repeated after 3 months to assess stability). Alternatively, an in-clinic injection (ICI test) or a specialized Penile Doppler Ultrasound can induce an erection for precise measurement and analysis of penile blood flow, which is especially useful if erectile dysfunction is also present.
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Your Role in Diagnosis: Providing clear photographs of your erection is a standard and highly valuable part of the Peyronie's disease assessment. It allows for precise measurement of curvature and helps determine if the condition has stabilised – essential information for planning the right treatment. Remember to capture images of a *full* erection from the top, side, and front views. Ideally, repeat this process after 3 months, keeping conditions identical. **Privacy is paramount:** please never email these photos. Use the secure [Your Patient Portal Name, e.g., Carebit] patient portal (link provided to patients) for uploading.
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Finding the Right Path: While the fibrous scar tissue (plaque) in Peyronie's disease often remains without surgery, the focus of treatment is on managing its effects: pain, erectile dysfunction (ED), and the penile curve itself. The best approach depends on your unique symptoms, personal goals, and whether the disease is currently in the active or stable phase. Pain typically subsides over time but can be managed effectively. ED associated with Peyronie's has several treatment avenues, from medications to devices or implants. Correcting the curvature involves non-surgical strategies like penile traction therapy or injections (Xiapex®, when indicated and available), often used in the acute phase or for less severe stable curves. Surgical treatment procedures, such as straightening techniques or penile implants, are usually reserved for the stable phase when curvature significantly impacts sexual function.
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Beyond the Physical: It's crucial to acknowledge that Peyronie's disease often impacts emotional well-being significantly. Feelings of anxiety, lowered self-esteem, or depression are common, and the condition can strain intimate relationships and affect sexual function. Addressing these psychological aspects is a key part of comprehensive care. Open communication with your partner and healthcare provider, considering psychosexual counselling, and connecting with support networks can provide invaluable help. Please know, you are not navigating this disease alone.
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The Importance of Expertise: Effectively managing Peyronie's disease requires a specialist's focus on men's sexual health (Andrology). Consulting with an experienced specialist ensures you receive care grounded in deep knowledge, access to advanced diagnostic tools, and the full spectrum of modern treatment options – from non-surgical approaches to complex procedures like grafting or penile implants. This expertise allows for truly personalised care plans in a compassionate setting, aimed at achieving the best possible long-term results for your physical function and overall wellbeing.
Moving Forward: If you've observed penile curvature, discomfort, lumps, or associated sexual difficulties, seeking timely expert advice for Peyronie's disease is the most positive step you can take. Early evaluation often leads to better long-term outcomes and potentially simpler treatment paths. Your consultation will involve careful listening, a thorough assessment, clear explanations of your situation and treatment options, and a collaborative approach to developing a personalised plan. Remember, effective management and significant improvement are achievable goals for this disease.
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For confidential advice or to book a consultation at one of my clinics (London, Milton Keynes, or Virtual), please use the details below:
Call my secretary: 01908014478
Secure online appointment request form: Book a Consultation Online on Carebit
Patient Portal (for existing patients): Click to access your Carebit Patient Portal
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is based on clinical experience and current medical understanding. It should not be considered a substitute for personalised medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you are experiencing symptoms potentially related to Peyronie's disease, please consult with a specialist urologist or other appropriate healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment recommendations.
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