Peyronie Disease

A healthcare provider can diagnose Peyronie’s disease. They’ll review your medical history and ask questions about your symptoms, which may include:

When did you first notice the curve in your penis?
Have you lost length?
How much length have you lost?
In which direction does your penis bend?
Approximately how many degrees is your bend?
Is having sex difficult or painful?
Is having sex painful for your partner?
How hard or strong are your erections?
Do you have erectile dysfunction?
Does anyone in your biological family have Peyronie’s disease, Dupuytren contracture or another connective tissue disorder?
Do you have any other conditions, including diabetes or an autoimmune disorder?
What medications are you taking?

The provider will also conduct a physical examination. During the physical exam, they’ll feel the scarring in your penis. They may need to examine your penis when you have an erection. If necessary, they may give you an injection (vasoactive drug) that temporarily makes your penis erect.

What tests will be done to diagnose Peyronie’s disease?

A healthcare provider may recommend a penile duplex Doppler ultrasound examination to help diagnose Peyronie’s disease. An ultrasound is a type of imaging test that helps:

Reveal where the scarring is in your penis.
Check for calcium buildup.
Show how blood flows in your penis.

Ultrasound also allows providers to determine the best treatment for you.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.