I am Dr. Sébastien Beley , a urologist and surgeon specializing in andrology in Paris. Today, I want to talk to you about a crucial subject that is often overlooked but can have a profound impact on men’s intimate lives and well-being: Peyronie’s disease and its close link with penile pain .
Peyronie’s disease is generally associated with a visible deformity of the penis, known as curvature. However, this condition can also manifest with other, less obvious symptoms, including penile pain. This pain, often overlooked or misunderstood, is nevertheless an important warning sign that should prompt a prompt consultation with a specialist.
In this article, I will explain in detail what Peyronie’s disease is, why pain is a crucial symptom that should not be ignored, and above all, why early intervention is essential to limit the consequences of this disease. Through these explanations, you will better understand this condition and the steps to take if you experience unexplained penile pain .
What is Lapeyronie’s disease? Understanding the essentials
Peyronie ‘s disease is a condition of the penis characterized by the formation of fibrous plaques, that is, areas of hard scar tissue on the tunica albuginea, the membrane that envelops the corpora cavernosa. These plaques cause a loss of elasticity and, consequently, a deformation of the penis, including curvature during erection.
This condition mainly affects middle-aged men, but can occur at any age. The exact mechanism of the disease remains partially understood, but it is known that it often begins with a localized inflammatory process, which progressively transforms normal tissue into hard scar tissue.
This initial inflammatory process is crucial, as it is at this stage that the disease is potentially reversible or at least controllable. Unfortunately, many men do not seek help until the deformity has already set in, complicating treatment and increasing the risk of complications.
Classic symptoms of Lapeyronie’s disease
- Curvature of the penis: the most visible manifestation that often prompts consultation.
- Retraction or shortening of the penis: due to loss of elasticity and fibrosis.
- Penile pain: can occur in the early stages, even before the appearance of a curvature.
- Erectile problems: the disease can alter the quality of the erection, sometimes making intercourse painful or difficult.
Penile pain: a warning sign not to be ignored
A key point I’d like to make is that penile pain is not an uncommon symptom in patients with Lapeyronie’s disease. In fact, in many cases, it’s the first sign to appear, long before the curvature is visible.
This pain is often described as a sensation of discomfort or burning, localized to the plaques or sometimes more diffuse. It may be constant or intermittent, and worsens during erections.
Unfortunately, this pain is sometimes downplayed by patients themselves, or wrongly attributed to other causes such as infection, trauma or simple temporary discomfort. This delay in seeking medical attention can have far-reaching consequences.
Why does pain occur?
Pain is linked to theinflammation that precedes the formation of fibrous plaques. This is the body’s reaction to microscopic injury or repetitive trauma to the penile tissue, triggering a local inflammatory process. This inflammation leads to heightened sensitivity and sometimes edema, resulting in pain.
At this stage, the disease is still in an active, progressive phase. Prompt management can influence this inflammation and limit the progression to fibrosis and deformity.
Why consult a urologist quickly for penile pain?
If you experience any pain in your penis, however slight or transient, it’s imperative to consult a urologist without delay. Not waiting for the pain to disappear on its own, or for the deformity to become visible, is a common mistake that can complicate treatment.
During the consultation, theurologist will carry out a thorough clinical examination and may order further tests if necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This step is essential to differentiate Lapeyronie’s disease from other pathologies that can cause similar pain, such as infections, trauma or other urological disorders.
Once the diagnosis has been made, appropriate treatment can be implemented rapidly, considerably increasing the chances of success and reducing the risk of complications.
The risks of late consultation
- Progression towards significant deformities : fibrosis sets in and the curvature becomes marked, sometimes irreversible.
- Penis shrinkage: loss of length and sometimes volume, which can affect self-confidence and quality of sexual life.
- Impaired erectile function: fibrosis can interfere with the erectile mechanism, leading to erectile dysfunction.
- Chronic pain: may persist even after the disease has stabilized.
Possible treatments for Lapeyronie’s disease in the painful phase
Treatment of Lapeyronie’s disease depends on the stage of the disease. In the inflammatory phase, i.e. when pain is present and the plaques have not yet stabilized, treatment options are primarily aimed at reducing inflammation and controlling pain.
Here are some common approaches:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: to reduce local inflammation and relieve pain.
- Local injections: certain injectable treatments can target plaque and reduce fibrosis formation.
- Physiotherapy and shock waves: non-invasive techniques that can improve local circulation and promote the resorption of inflammation.
- Lifestyle modifications: avoid repeated trauma, adopt a healthy lifestyle and manage stress.
It’s important to note that these treatments are most effective when administered early, i.e. as soon as the first painful symptoms appear. The sooner the disease is treated, the less likely it is that deformities will set in.
When should surgery be considered?
Surgery is generally reserved for cases where the condition is stable, meaning when the pain has been absent for several months and the deformity is fixed. It aims to correct the curvature and restore erectile function if necessary.
In the active pain phase, however, surgery is not recommended, as inflammation can compromise healing and worsen symptoms.
How to differentiate Lapeyronie’s disease from other causes of penile pain?
Penile pain can have many origins, and it is essential to distinguish between them in order to guide treatment:
- Urinary or sexually transmitted infections: often accompanied by burning, discharge or fever.
- Trauma or repetitive strain injury: due to intense sporting or sexual activity.
- Vascular problems : varicocele , blood circulation disorders.
- Other urological pathologies: such as cancer of the penis, which is rare but serious.
Only a thorough medical examination, often supplemented by imaging studies, can provide a precise diagnosis.
Preventing Lapeyronie’s disease: practical advice
Although Lapeyronie’s disease is not always preventable, certain measures can help reduce the risks or limit the severity:
- Avoid repeated penile trauma: adopt safe sexual practices and avoid risky positions.
- Seek prompt advice in the event of pain or discomfort: don’t underestimate your body’s signals.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: a good diet, regular physical activity and stress management.
- Monitor your sexual health: through regular check-ups with a urologist or andrologist.
Conclusion: don’t let penile pain set in, act fast!
Lapeyronie’s disease is a complex pathology which can profoundly affect a man’s sex life and quality of life. Penile pain, often the first sign, must be taken very seriously. Prompt consultation with a specialist is essential for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
As a urologist, I urge all men who experience penile pain, however slight or intermittent, to seek medical advice without delay. Time is of the essence: the earlier the intervention, the better the chances of limiting deformation, preserving erectile function and reducing pain.
Don’t hesitate to share this information with those around you, as Lapeyronie’s disease is still too often silent and unrecognized. Taking care of your sexual health also means taking care of yourself as a whole.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please contact me via my various professional channels. Together, we can act quickly and efficiently.
