Bent Penis Diagnosis: Assessing Peyronie’s Disease
March 3, 2018There’s a case that can be made that some men are too obsessed with their penis, but even if that is so, is it any wonder? Advertisements and many other forms of media bombard our culture constantly with images and stories that emphasize the importance of physical perfection, creating pressure to conform to that ideal. And although it is not always explicitly stated, there is an implication that perfection must include the penis. So how does that make a guy feel who, even if he is very adherent to penis care routines, still finds himself with what might be perceived as an imperfection - such as a severely bent penis? If a little attractive curving has morphed into an actual bent penis, he may be suffering from Peyronie’s disease and should see a doctor for an assessment and diagnosis.
About Peyronie’s disease
Although a guy with a bent penis may seek a diagnosis strictly because he is worried about the physical appearance of his mighty member, there’s a legitimate penis health reason to be concerned as well. Often when a penis is severely curved, it can make penetrative sex difficult and/or painful. And often having an everyday erection can itself become painful.
Peyronie’s disease is named after the doctor who first described it in the medical literature and is actually fairly common; some studies estimate that it affects about 10% of men. It is a connective tissue disorder involving the growth of plaque in the penis. When this plaque gets too big, it prevents the penis skin from stretching as fully as it needs to during the erectile process. This results in the penis bending at the point of plaque deposit.
In general, the plaque is thought to develop due to trauma to the penis. The healing process involves the development of the plaque, similar to the way scar tissue develops on a wound. The trauma may be a severe one-time occurrence, such as the penis being hit by a line-drive ball in baseball, or it may be due to repetitive injuries over time.
Assessment
A urologist can use a number of methods to assess and diagnose Peyronie’s disease. In order to properly assess, the penis must be erect and so a patient is generally given a drug intended to treat erectile dysfunction to produce the desired erect state. The doctor may then obtain a physical measurement of the degree of curvature. However, some smartphone apps create a picture of the erect penis as it appears when sexually stimulated rather than created through medication. Some doctors may also use 3D photo imagery to assess the degree of curvature.
In order to get a more accurate picture of the degree of plaque causing the issue, a doctor may utilize ultrasound techniques, which can also give a picture of penile vesicular health. An MRI can assess inflammation.
Most urologists tend to favor a physical measurement, but the other options are available if further information is necessary to determine the extent of the Peyronie’s.
Treatment
Based on the assessment, doctors may recommend various options for treatment, including oral medication, injections, electric current treatment or surgery.
A bent penis from Peyronie’s may heal better if the overall health of the penis is good. One way to help maintain that health is via daily application of a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . The better crèmes will contain L-carnitine, a neuroprotective ingredient that helps restore lost sensitivity, which can sometimes accompany Peyronie’s disease. It also is advisable to choose a crème with alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant that improves penis skin health by battling oxidative stress.
Posted by John Dugan. Posted In : Men's Health
