$Unique_ID{BRK00255}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What is "Peyronie's Disease"?}
$Subject{Peyronie's cause treatment}
$Volume{N-15}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Peyronie's Disease"?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  My condition is an embarrassing one, since it deals with my sexual
organ.  I have been to several doctors, received some treatment and
explanations, but still find it difficult to understand what is happening to
me.  The condition is called "Peyronie's Disease" and I would be most grateful
for any help or explanations you could write in your column.  I can't be the
only one suffering from this, and perhaps you can help lots of men who are
ashamed of their situation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  You are not alone.  It is rare that a week goes by without some
letter requesting information on this most distressful disease of adult men,
and so it is time for a few explanations from me.  Peyronie's Disease is an
affliction of the male organ, that causes the erect penis to curve, occasionly
causing painful erections, and preventing normal function during intercourse.
Anatomically, the penis is composed of three, long spongy tubes (corpora
cavernosum), each enclosed in an elastic sheath or covering.  For reasons
still unknown, these sheaths may thicken as the tissue becomes fibrotic (scar
like), and then shorten.  The affected section of the sheath loses its
elasticity, and can't stretch properly during erection, and so the penis bends
in the direction of the scarred area.  Treatment is difficult and not always
successful.  Local injections of corticosteroids (cortisone-like medication)
may help, but doesn't work when the medication is taken orally.  The scarred
area can be removed surgically, and replaced by a graft, but that may result
in even more scarring during the healing process.  Some symptomatic relief can
be obtained through the use of local ultrasound treatments, and there are
cases where, after many months, the disease just goes away by itself.  I truly
hope you fall into this last classification.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
