Peyronie’s disease occurs when there is the development of scar tissue inside the penis causing the penis to change into an abnormal curvature (contracture) in the scarred area. This disease often occurs in about 1% to 8% of men, most frequently in men who are aged about 40 to 70 years old. The disease also may occur more frequently with men that develop:

• Prostate cancer;
• High blood pressure or hypertension, and;
• Diabetes.

It rarely occurs in younger men.

What causes Peyronie’s disease?

The truth on the cause of this disease is unknown. But, whatever is able to cause plaque or scar tissue formation in the penile shaft is the likely causal candidate. Researchers made the suggestion that there are possible several factors such as deficiency of vitamin E, elevations in serotonin, beta-blocking medications, and genetic causes. Some researchers believe that minor harm vascularly to the penis (during sex, exercise or athletic endeavours), that occur repeatedly over time can lead to the formation of scar tissue. None of these possible processes agents or processes is proven to be the cause to date.

How is Peyronie’s disease diagnosed?

The patient’s pain history with erections and/or sex and a physical examination of the penis shows atypical angle of the shaft of the penis or the presence of scarring and plaque felt on palpated in the penis are normally the basis for a correct diagnosis. Urologists are specialists that usually can diagnose and treat this disease. There are no blood tests to diagnose this disease, but there is a human cell antigen, HLA-B7, that has been linked with this disease. There are no additional tests, but an ultrasound when accompanied by an injection of drug into the penis (intercavernous injection) and will helps show the physician where as well as how extensive the scarring is and aid the doctor in determining treatments.

Peyronie’s disease abroad

There are about 12 to 15 clinics where someone in Europe can have Peyronie’s disease diagnosed and taken care of in Europe. The best clinic for peyronie’s disease seems to be located in Germany but there are clinics located in Spain, France and other countries. They seem to have a lot of people using Health Tourism to go to Europe to get this problem diagnosed and treated.