Peyronie Disease

Excerpt

Peyronie disease (PD) is a progressive and non-malignant disorder of the penis resulting in an abnormal curvature when erect. The condition is named for François Gigot de la Peyronie in 1749, who was a French surgeon and cofounder of Académie Royale de Chirurgie. It was first described in 1561. The abnormal curvature is caused by scar tissue in the erectile tissue; however, the exact mechanism responsible for the formation of this scar tissue remains elusive.

PD is reported to affect more than 1 in 10 men in the United States. Common to many sexual disorders, Peyronie disease can understandably cause significant distress to patients. Problems arise from the deformity and resultant impaired appearance and function, but also because PD is associated with erectile dysfunction, which is in itself a distressing condition. This chapter seeks to cover the etiology and pathophysiology, epidemiology, history and examination findings, and common evidence-based treatments.