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Ask the Doctor: Thrown a Curve
Peyronie's disease was described by its namesake as involving
"rosary beads of scar tissue [that] cause an upward curvature of the penis
during erection." This problem, which affects about 1% of men (usually
between ages 45 and 60), produces penile deformities and erectile dysfunction.
Its cause is unknown, but it is thought to result from trauma or inflammation
that produces a plaque of scar tissue. The result is a curvature of the erect
penis that can interfere with sexual intercourse. While there are a number of
medications commonly recommended for the problem, surgery is the only proven
treatment. Surgery should be reserved for men with significant pain and sexual
impairment and should not be undertaken until the disease has stabilized. In
most cases Peyronie's disease begins gradually and progresses slowly over one to
two years.
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