Peyronie’s disease in the general practitioner’s surgery
Authors:
L. Zámečník
Authors‘ workplace:
Sexuologický ústav VFN, Praha
Published in:
Prakt. Lék. 2026; 106(4): 145-153
Category:
Of different specialties
Overview
Peyronie’s disease is an acquired benign fibroproliferative disorder of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa. Clinically, it is characterized by the formation of a fibrous plaque, penile curvature, penile pain during erection, penile shortening, and frequently erectile dysfunction. Although the prevalence of the disease in the adult male population is estimated to be approximately 3–9%, many patients remain undiagnosed because they are reluctant to discuss their symptoms with a physician due to embarrassment or fear. General practitioners are often the first physicians to evaluate these patients. Their role is not to establish the definitive diagnosis or provide specialist treatment, but rather to recognize the condition early, perform an initial clinical assessment, educate the patient, and ensure timely referral to a specialist. In most cases, the diagnosis is based on medical history and physical examination. Initial assessment should also include evaluation of erectile function, cardiovascular risk factors, and the impact of the disease on the patient’s quality of life. Current treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the severity of penile deformity. Conservative management includes patient education, treatment of erectile dysfunction, penile traction therapy, and, in selected patients, specialized intralesional therapy. Surgical treatment is indicated in patients with stable disease and functionally significant penile deformity. The aim of this review is to provide general practitioners with an overview of current recommendations for the diagnosis and management of Peyronie’s disease, with particular emphasis on early recognition of the condition and appropriate timing of referral to a urologist or sexual medicine specialist.
Keywords:
diagnosis – Erectile dysfunction – treatment – general practitioner – Peyronie’s disease – penile induration – penile curvature
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Labels
General practitioner for children and adolescents General practitioner for adultsArticle was published in
General Practitioner
2026 Issue 4
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