La Peyronie's disease and Congenital penile curvature Penile curvature

La Peyronie's disease and Congenital penile curvature are pathologies that are characterized by the angulation of the erect penis.

Congenital Penile Curvature is present since birth, being generally identified at puberty along with the first masturbatory erections, and is caused by a disproportionate growth of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa. It generally has a ventral orientation, but can also be lateral or dorsal.

In turn, La Peyronie's Disease is acquired and can occur at any age, being more frequent in men from 50-60 years of age and/or with erectile dysfunction and Diabetes.

Although the etiology is unknown, it is suggested that it is due to

repeated microtrauma of the tunica albuginea, leading to aberrant healing with the formation of a fibrotic plaque and consequent curvature.

La Peyronie's disease tends to develop in two stages:

- the acute phase, in which the disease sets in, and is characterized by painful erections, the appearance of a palpable nodule or plaque in the penis and the beginning of the curvature installation;

- the chronic phase, which is characterized by a harder plate, stabilization of the disease and installation of a definite curvature. At this stage, erections tend to stop being painful.

The diagnosis is based on the documentation of the penile curvature during erection and the identification of the stage the disease is in. Sometimes, it can also be supported by performing Penile Doppler ultrasound.

The correct treatment depends on the stage of the disease.

In the case of acute phase, they can be with oral and topical drugs, intralesional injections and local treatments with Low Intensity Shockwaves or traction devices, although the results are not conclusive.

Once the disease has stabilized, and also in the case of congenital curvature, the definitive treatment is based on surgical reconstruction of the penis.

In cases of associated severe erectile dysfunction, it may be necessary to place a penile prosthesis simultaneously.