Infant Peyronie's Disease Treatment

Peyronie’s Disease occurs when there is a sharp curve in the penis. For some infants, Peyronie’s Disease occurs without symptoms, but can cause problems with erections later in life. The abnormality involves the accumulation of fibrous tissue of the penis and causes varying degrees of dysfunction.

Progression

• Peyronie’s often begins with a feeling of firmness in the penis. The scar tissue may increase in size and cause the penis to bend towards the area of firmness. The deformity of the penis can increase over time and can make intercourse difficult. The amount of inflammation and the severity can change. If the condition is left untreated, it can cause a permanent deformity of the penis.

Causes and Symptoms

• The cause of Peyronie’s disease is not known, which often makes treatment difficult and may result in the shortening of the penis. Scar tissue develops in the penis, causing it to bend. A forceful bend, an injury or even a catheter may act as sources of Peyronie’s. Sometimes, pain can occur, especially if the penis is erect. Other symptoms include hardened areas on the penis and cord-like lesions under the skin.

Treatment

• According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin E and some drugs can decrease swelling. Although cortisone or steroid injections are often used directly in the scar, this treatment method is rarely successful. Surgery often helps a child with Peyronie’s disease by removing some of the scar tissue and creating a graft from somewhere else in the body. One of the other options for treatment may involve a penile prosthesis later in life to help in the angle of the penis.

Risk Factors

• If a father or brother has Peyronie’s Disease, a child has a higher likelihood of having Peyronie’s. The prevalence of Peyronie’s disease increases with age. Other risk factors include connective tissue disorder, diabetes, use of tobacco and pelvic injury.

Diagnosis

• The doctor will take a health history of the child and family members, as well as conduct a physical exam. Doctors will check the penis to find the amount of scar tissue, as well as its site. Some doctors also measure the penis to use the beginning length as a starting point to decide whether the penis has shortened as a result of Peyronie’s. An ultrasound can also help check the penis by looking for abnormalities and the degree of curvature.