Peyronie's Disease, also know
as Induratio Penis Plastica (IPP), is a disorder
involving areas of inflammation followed by
fibrosis (scarring) along the shaft of the
penis. There may be a single lesion or multiple
lesions, known as plaque, that are located
below the surface of the skin. Plaque has
the appearance and feel of a hardened flat
disk.
Peyronies's Disease does not cause major
health problems and is not life threatening
but is distressing to many individuals.
Frequently there is pain, angulation (bending)
of the penis, and difficulty with erections
and sexual relations. The natural history
of the disease is not encouraging. In some
men, the plaque may become smaller in size
and disappear completely. however, the majority
of men with Peyronie's Disease experience
intermittent flare-ups and eventual calcification
(hardening) of the plaque. The chalky bone-like
plaque then becomes a permanent part of
the penis.
