Lapeyronie's disease
Introduction
Lapeyronie’s disease is a pathology that affects many men, often after the age of forty. It manifests as an abnormal curvature of the penis, which may be associated with pain and discomfort during intercourse.
⚠️ This condition is not just a cosmetic problem. It can have an impact on intimate life, leading to a drop in self-confidence and disabling pain.
💡 Good news: solutions do exist! Medical treatment can limit the progression of the disease and improve patients’ quality of life.
What is Lapeyronie's disease?
Lapeyronie’s disease is a connective tissue disorder that leads to the formation of fibrosis (patches of scar tissue) under the skin of the penis. These plaques progressively stiffen and deform the penis, causing abnormal curvature during erection.
📌 A few figures:
✅ Approximately 5% of men are affected, but this figure may be underestimated.
✅ It generally appears between the ages of 40 and 70, but can occur earlier.
✅ In some cases, it can worsen over time if left untreated.
What are the symptoms?
Lapeyronie’s disease evolves in two distinct phases:
1️⃣ Acute phase (inflammatory phase) - 6 to 18 months
Common signs :
- Pain during erections (and sometimes at rest)
- Formation of a fibrous plaque under the skin of the penis
- Appearance of progressive abnormal curvature
- Decreased quality of erections
2️⃣ Chronic phase (stabilized) - after 18 months
- The pain diminishes or disappears, but the deformity remains stable
- Possibility of penis shortening
- Difficulty maintaining or achieving a rigid erection
Each case is unique: some men experience little discomfort, while others find it genuinely difficult to have sex.
What are the causes and aggravating factors?
The exact cause of Lapeyronie’s disease has not been fully elucidated, but several risk factors have been identified:
- Microtrauma to the penis (during intercourse or as a result of an accident)
- Genetic predisposition
- Connective tissue diseases (e.g. Dupuytren)
- Diabetes, hypertension, smoking and cholesterol
- Erectile dysfunction and poor circulation
📌 Please note: Contrary to popular belief, it is not an infection or a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
What impact does this have on intimacy and psychology?
Lapeyronie’s disease is not limited to a curvature of the penis. The consequences can be profound:
- Painful or impossible intercourse
- Decreased pleasure and partner dissatisfaction
- Complaints and withdrawal
- Anxiety and low self-confidence
- Depression related to loss of erectile function
💡 Consulting a specialist can help you avoid these complications and get back to a fulfilling intimate life.
What solutions exist?
1️⃣ Drug treatments (Acute phase)
- Anti-inflammatories & Antioxidants: To reduce inflammation and slow down its progression.
- Oral medications (Potaba, Colchicine, Tamoxifen, Pentoxifylline): Can help in some cases.
- Local injections (Verapamil, Collagenase, PRP): Can reduce fibrosis and improve penile flexibility.
📌 Drug treatments are most effective in the early stages of the disease.
2️⃣ Non-invasive therapies
- Shock waves (LISWT): Improves blood circulation and softens fibrous plaques.
- Traction & Vacuum Therapy exercises: Can help limit deformation and lengthen the penis.
📌 These therapies are indicated before considering surgery.
3️⃣ Surgical solutions (Chronic & Severe cases)
If the curvature is too great (greater than 60°) or if intercourse becomes impossible, surgery may be an option:
- Penis plicature: Corrects curvature by reducing the length of the opposite side.
- Plaque grafting & excision: To restore a more natural morphology.
- Penile implant: permanent solution for associated erectile dysfunction.
📌 Surgery is an effective solution, but is considered as a last resort.
Why consult a specialist?
Early diagnosis can limit the progression of the disease and avoid complications. During a consultation, a clinical examination and possibly an ultrasound scan of the penis will enable us to :
- Assessing the severity of curvature
- Identify location and size of fibrous plates
- Determine the most appropriate treatment options
📌 Don’t wait for the situation to get worse! The earlier you take action, the better the chances of improvement.
Do you suspect Lapeyronie's disease?
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Do you suffer from pain, penile curvature or erectile dysfunction?
Don’t let Lapeyronie’s disease affect your well-being and your intimate life.
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