Last updated on September 21, 2026
For the overwhelming majority of men or their partners, Peyronie’s Disease is a condition they’ve never heard of until they notice symptoms themselves: a curve, a lump, or pain during an erection, and decide to speak to their GP or a specialist. It’s often only at that point that the research begins, and the language used to describe the condition can be genuinely confusing: Latin clinical names, anatomical terms, and treatment technologies that rarely come up anywhere else in everyday life.
To make this easier, we’ve compiled a simple, easy-to-use glossary covering every term connected to Peyronie’s Disease, organised across eleven categories: Conditions & Diagnoses, Related Comorbidities, Anatomy of the Penis & Male Sexual System, Pathology, Core Erectile Function, Vascular Health & Blood Flow, Hormones & Sexual Regulation, Biochemistry & Physiology, Assessment Tools, Treatments & Technology, and Diagnostics. Each entry starts with a plain-English explanation, so you can build your understanding of Peyronie’s Disease from the basics. Once you’re familiar with the fundamentals, the same terms give you the vocabulary you’ll need to read clinical trials, medical journals and more scientifically dense articles with confidence.
Conditions and Diagnosis
Peyronie’s Disease: Peyronie’s Disease is a condition in which fibrous scar tissue, known as plaque, develops within the penis, often causing curvature and pain during erections. See our full guide, ‘What is Peyronie’s Disease?’ for symptoms, causes and treatment options.
Induratio Penis Plastica: Induratio Penis Plastica is the traditional Latin clinical name for Peyronie’s Disease, still used in some medical literature to describe the same condition of penile scar tissue and curvature.
Erectile Dysfunction: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity and is one of the most common symptoms reported alongside Peyronie’s Disease. See our ‘Peyronie’s & Erectile Dysfunction’ page for how the two conditions are linked.
Impotence: Impotence is an older clinical term for erectile dysfunction, used less frequently in modern medical practice.
Organic Erectile Dysfunction: Organic Erectile Dysfunction is ED caused by an underlying physical factor, such as reduced blood flow, nerve damage, or hormonal imbalance, rather than psychological causes.
Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction: Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction is ED caused primarily by psychological factors such as anxiety, stress, or relationship difficulties, occurring even without an underlying physical cause.
Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction: Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction is the most common physical cause of ED, occurring when the blood vessels supplying or draining the penis fail to function properly.
Post-Prostatectomy Erectile Dysfunction: Post-Prostatectomy Erectile Dysfunction is ED that develops following prostate removal surgery, usually due to disruption of the nerves and blood vessels responsible for erections.
Chordee: Chordee is a congenital curvature of the penis present from birth, distinct from Peyronie’s Disease, which develops later in life due to scar tissue.
Congenital Penile Curvature: Congenital Penile Curvature is curvature present since birth, caused by natural differences in tissue development, and should not be confused with the acquired curvature seen in Peyronie’s Disease. See our “Congenital Penile Curvature” page for how the two conditions differ.
Penile Fracture: A Penile Fracture is a rupture of the tunica albuginea, the fibrous sheath surrounding the erectile tissue, usually caused by trauma during intercourse and a recognised trigger for the type of scar tissue seen in Peyronie’s Disease.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health condition involving persistent, distressing preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance, which can affect men living with visible symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease.
Penile Dysmorphophobia: Penile Dysmorphophobia is a specific form of body image distress focused on the perceived size, shape, or appearance of the penis, and is a recognised psychological impact of Peyronie’s Disease.
Anorgasmia: Anorgasmia is the persistent difficulty or inability to reach orgasm despite adequate stimulation, occasionally reported as a complication following certain Peyronie’s Disease surgical treatments.
Hypogonadism (Low Testosterone): Hypogonadism, or low testosterone, is a hormonal condition in which the body produces insufficient testosterone. See our “Peyronie’s Disease & Low Testosterone” page for what the research shows about the link.
Peyronie’s Disease Related Comorbidities
Diabetes: Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation, and is a recognised risk factor for both erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s Disease. See our “Peyronie’s Disease & Diabetes” page for more on the link.
High Blood Pressure: High Blood Pressure is a condition in which the force of blood against artery walls is consistently elevated, contributing over time to the vascular changes associated with erectile dysfunction. See our “Peyronie’s Disease & High Blood Pressure” page for more detail.
Dupuytren’s Disease: Dupuytren’s Disease causes fibrous tissue thickening in the palm of the hand and shares a biological link with Peyronie’s Disease. See our “Peyronie’s & Dupuytren’s Disease” page for more on the connection.
Paget’s Disease: Paget’s Disease is a condition affecting bone remodelling, which has been associated in some studies with an increased likelihood of developing Peyronie’s Disease. See our “Peyronie’s & Paget’s Disease” page for more detail.
Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological condition that has been noted in some research as having an association with Peyronie’s Disease. See our “Peyronie’s & Parkinson’s Disease” page for more on this link.
Prostate Cancer: Prostate Cancer and its treatments, including surgery, can contribute to erectile dysfunction and, in some cases, penile curvature. See our “Peyronie’s & Prostate Cancer” page for the link between the two.
Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune Conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, and certain autoimmune diseases have been associated with a higher likelihood of developing Peyronie’s Disease. See our “Peyronie’s Disease & The Autoimmune System” page for more detail.
Scleroderma: Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition causing hardening and thickening of skin and connective tissue, and has been linked in research to an increased risk of Peyronie’s Disease.
Lupus: Lupus is a systemic autoimmune condition that can cause widespread inflammation, and has been associated with connective tissue changes relevant to Peyronie’s Disease risk.
Ledderhose Disease: Ledderhose Disease, also known as plantar fibromatosis, causes firm lumps to form in the connective tissue of the arch of the foot. It belongs to the same family of superficial fibromatosis conditions as Peyronie’s Disease, and the two are frequently seen together alongside Dupuytren’s Disease.
Anatomy of the Penis and Male Sexual System
Autonomic Nervous System: The Autonomic Nervous System controls involuntary processes such as heart rate and blood flow, including the vascular responses involved in achieving an erection.
Bulbocavernosus Muscle: The Bulbocavernosus Muscle is a pelvic floor muscle that supports urinary control and plays a role in sexual function, including ejaculation and erection rigidity.
Corpora Cavernosa: The Corpora Cavernosa are a pair of spongy erectile tissue chambers running the length of the penis that fill with blood to produce an erection. Peyronie’s Disease scar tissue forms on the tunica albuginea surrounding these chambers.
Corpus Spongiosum: The Corpus Spongiosum is a column of erectile tissue that surrounds the urethra and keeps it open during erection.
Crura of the Penis: The Crura of the Penis are the two internal, tapered columns of erectile tissue that anchor the penis to the pelvis.
Dorsal Nerve of the Penis: The Dorsal Nerve of the Penis is the primary nerve responsible for penile sensation and can be at risk during certain Peyronie’s Disease surgical procedures.
Epididymis: The Epididymis is a coiled tube behind each testicle where sperm are stored and mature.
Foreskin: The Foreskin is the fold of skin covering the head of the penis.
Frenulum: The Frenulum is a small band of skin on the underside of the penis connecting the foreskin to the glans.
Glans: The Glans is the sensitive, rounded tip of the penis.
Ischiocavernosus Muscle: The Ischiocavernosus Muscle is a pelvic floor muscle that helps maintain erection rigidity by compressing blood within the penis.
Pelvic Floor Muscles: The Pelvic Floor Muscles support the pelvic organs and play a role in erectile and urinary function.
Penile Arteries: The Penile Arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the penis and are essential for achieving and maintaining an erection.
Penile Veins: The Penile Veins carry blood away from the penis; when they fail to close properly during erection, blood can escape too quickly, contributing to erectile dysfunction.
Penis: The Penis is the male external sexual organ, made up of erectile tissue, skin, and a network of blood vessels and nerves. Peyronie’s Disease affects the penis’s internal structure, causing curvature and, in some cases, changes in length or girth.
Perineum: The Perineum is the area between the genitals and the anus, containing muscles and nerves important to sexual and urinary function.
Prostate Gland: The Prostate Gland sits below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra; its treatment can sometimes contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Pubococcygeus (PC) Muscle: The Pubococcygeus (PC) Muscle is part of the pelvic floor and supports bladder control and sexual function.
Pudendal Nerve: The Pudendal Nerve supplies sensation and movement to the genitals and pelvic floor, and is central to normal erectile and urinary function.
Seminal Vesicles: The Seminal Vesicles are glands that produce much of the fluid that makes up semen.
Shaft: The Shaft is the main length of the penis, extending from the body to the glans — the area where Peyronie’s Disease plaque most commonly develops.
Smooth Muscle Cells: Smooth Muscle Cells line the erectile tissue of the penis and must relax fully to allow blood to fill the penis during an erection.
Testicles: The Testicles are the male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.
Tunica Albuginea: The Tunica Albuginea is the tough, fibrous sheath surrounding the erectile tissue of the penis. Peyronie’s Disease develops when scar tissue, or plaque, forms within this layer, causing curvature during erection.
Urethra: The Urethra is the tube that carries urine (and semen, during ejaculation) out of the body.
Urinary Sphincter: The Urinary Sphincter is a ring of muscle that controls the release of urine from the bladder.
Vas Deferens: The Vas Deferens is the tube that carries mature sperm from the testicles toward the urethra.
Buck’s Fascia: Buck’s Fascia is a strong connective tissue layer covering the erectile bodies of the penis; understanding its structure is important during Peyronie’s Disease grafting or plication surgery.
Neurovascular Bundle: The Neurovascular Bundle is the group of nerves and blood vessels running alongside the penis that must be carefully protected during Peyronie’s Disease surgery to preserve sensation and erectile function.
Peyronie’s Specific Pathology
Calcium Deposits (Calcified Plaque): Calcium Deposits, or calcified plaque, occur when Peyronie’s Disease scar tissue hardens further through calcium build-up, sometimes reaching a bone-like density.
Collagen: Collagen is the body’s most abundant structural protein; excess collagen deposition is a key feature of the scar tissue that forms in Peyronie’s Disease.
Fibrosis (Fibrotic Tissue): Fibrosis is the excessive thickening and scarring of tissue caused by a build-up of collagen and is the underlying process behind Peyronie’s Disease plaque formation.
Fibrous Plaque (Penile Plaque): Fibrous Plaque, or penile plaque, is the hardened area of scar tissue beneath the skin of the penis that is the direct physical cause of Peyronie’s Disease curvature.
Hinge Effect: The Hinge Effect occurs in advanced Peyronie’s Disease when the penis buckles or folds during erection due to a weakened area alongside rigid scar tissue.
Hourglass Deformity: Hourglass Deformity is a narrowing or indentation around part of the penile shaft, giving it a pinched, hourglass-like appearance during erection a distinctive presentation of Peyronie’s Disease.
Penile Girth: Penile Girth refers to the circumference of the penis; changes in girth, including narrowing, are a recognised symptom of Peyronie’s Disease.
Acute Phase / Chronic (Stable) Phase: Peyronie’s Disease typically progresses through an Acute Phase, marked by active inflammation and worsening curvature, followed by a Chronic (Stable) Phase, where scar tissue stops progressing and pain usually resolves. See our “Stages of Peyronie’s Disease” page for the full breakdown of each stage.
Penile Indentation (“Divot”): Penile Indentation, sometimes called a “divot,” is a localised narrowing along the shaft caused by rigid Peyronie’s Disease scar tissue preventing normal expansion during erection.
Dyspareunia: Dyspareunia is persistent pain during intercourse, which can occur in men with Peyronie’s Disease due to curvature or plaque-related discomfort.
Arousal: Arousal is the physical and emotional state of sexual excitement that prepares the body for sexual activity.
Endothelial Function: Endothelial Function describes how well the thin layer of cells lining blood vessels works to regulate blood flow a key factor in achieving a healthy erection.
Erection Hardness Score (EHS): The Erection Hardness Score (EHS) is a simple 4-point scale used by clinicians and patients to assess and track erection firmness.
Libido: Libido is a person’s overall desire or drive for sexual activity, which can be affected by hormonal, psychological, and physical factors, including Peyronie’s Disease.
Nocturnal Penile Tumescence: Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT) is the natural, involuntary erection that occurs during sleep, sometimes used to help distinguish physical from psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.
PDE5: PDE5 is an enzyme found in penile tissue that regulates blood flow; PDE5 inhibitor medications work by blocking this enzyme to help maintain an erection.
Core Erectile Function Terms
Arousal: Arousal is the physical and emotional state of sexual excitement that prepares the body for sexual activity.
Endothelial Function: Endothelial Function describes how well the thin layer of cells lining blood vessels works to regulate blood flow, which is a key factor in achieving a healthy erection.
Erection Hardness Score (EHS): The Erection Hardness Score (EHS) is a simple 4-point scale used by clinicians and patients to assess and track erection firmness.
Libido: Libido is a person’s overall desire or drive for sexual activity, which can be affected by hormonal, psychological and physical factors, including Peyronie’s Disease.
Nocturnal Penile Tumescence: Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT) is the natural, involuntary erection that occurs during sleep, sometimes used to help distinguish physical from psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.
PDE5: PDE5 is an enzyme found in penile tissue that regulates blood flow; PDE5 inhibitor medications work by blocking this enzyme to help maintain an erection.
Vascular Health and Blood Flow
Arterial Insufficiency: Arterial Insufficiency occurs when narrowed or blocked blood vessels reduce blood flow to the penis, a recognised physical cause of erectile dysfunction.
Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque inside artery walls, which can restrict blood flow to the penis and contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Blood Vessel Dilation (Vasodilation): Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels that allows increased blood flow into the penis during arousal, a necessary step in achieving an erection.
Cardiovascular Health and ED Link: Cardiovascular Health and erectile function are closely linked, since a healthy erection depends on the same blood vessels affected by heart disease and circulatory conditions.
Cavernosal Arteries: The Cavernosal Arteries are the main blood vessels supplying the erectile tissue of the penis, and their function is central to achieving a firm erection.
cGMP: cGMP is a molecule that relaxes the smooth muscle of the penis to allow blood flow in during an erection; PDE5 inhibitor medications work by preserving cGMP levels for longer.
Microcirculation: Microcirculation refers to blood flow through the smallest vessels in the body, including those supplying penile tissue, and is important for tissue health and erectile function.
Nitric Oxide (NO): Nitric Oxide is a signalling molecule that triggers the relaxation of blood vessels in the penis, allowing the increased blood flow needed for an erection.
Oxygenation of Penile Tissue: Oxygenation of Penile Tissue refers to the delivery of oxygen-rich blood to the erectile tissue, important for maintaining tissue health and function.
Penile Blood Flow: Penile Blood Flow is the circulation of blood into and out of the penis that determines whether it is flaccid or erect.
Shear Stress (Blood Flow Signalling): Shear Stress is the frictional force blood exerts on vessel walls as it flows, which helps trigger the release of nitric oxide and supports healthy blood vessel function.
Vascular Elasticity: Vascular Elasticity is the ability of blood vessels to stretch and recoil with blood flow, an important factor in erectile and cardiovascular health.
Veno-Occlusive Dysfunction: Veno-Occlusive Dysfunction, also known as venous leak, occurs when the veins of the penis fail to trap blood effectively, causing it to escape too quickly to sustain an erection.
Venous Leak: Venous Leak is a vascular cause of erectile dysfunction in which blood drains from the penis too quickly through the veins to maintain a firm erection.
Hormones and Sexual Regulation
Age-Related Hormonal Decline: Age-Related Hormonal Decline is the natural, gradual reduction in testosterone levels that occurs in men as they age, which can affect libido and erectile function.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): DHEA is a natural steroid hormone your body uses as a building block to produce testosterone and other sex hormones.
Diurnal Testosterone Rhythm: Diurnal Testosterone Rhythm refers to the natural daily cycle in which testosterone levels peak in the morning and decline through the day — why testosterone is often tested early in the morning.
Endocrine System: The Endocrine System is the network of glands that produce and release hormones, including the sex hormones that influence libido and erectile function.
Free Testosterone: Free Testosterone is the portion of testosterone in the blood that is not bound to protein and is immediately available for the body to use.
Hormonal Balance: Hormonal Balance refers to having the right levels of key hormones, including testosterone, needed for normal sexual and reproductive function.
Hormonal Influence on Erectile Tissue Health: Hormones such as testosterone help maintain the health of erectile tissue by supporting blood flow, muscle tone, and nerve function within the penis.
Hormonal Influence on Libido: Hormones, particularly testosterone, play a major role in regulating libido, or sexual desire.
Oestrogen in Men: Oestrogen is present in men in smaller amounts than testosterone but still plays an important role in sexual function and overall health.
Prolactin: Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland; elevated levels can sometimes contribute to reduced libido and erectile difficulties.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): SHBG is a protein produced by the liver that binds to sex hormones, including testosterone, regulating how much is available for the body to use.
Stress Hormones (Cortisol): Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone; chronically elevated levels can negatively affect testosterone production and sexual function.
Thyroid Hormones and Sexual Function: Thyroid Hormones regulate metabolism and influence the balance of sex hormones; thyroid imbalances can affect libido and sexual performance.
Testosterone: Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, playing a central role in libido, erectile function, and overall reproductive health.
Total Testosterone: Total Testosterone is the full amount of testosterone in the blood, including both protein-bound and freely available testosterone.
Biochemistry and Physiology
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): ATP is the primary energy source used by the body’s cells, including those involved in the muscular and vascular processes required for an erection.
Angiogenesis: Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels, a process some Peyronie’s Disease treatments, such as shockwave therapy, aim to stimulate to improve blood flow and tissue repair.
Neurogenesis: Neurogenesis is the formation of new nerve tissue, a process thought to be encouraged by certain regenerative treatments used for Peyronie’s Disease and erectile dysfunction.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Reactive Oxygen Species are unstable molecules that can damage cells when present in excess — a process known as oxidative stress, thought to play a role in Peyronie’s Disease plaque formation.
L-Arginine: L-Arginine is an amino acid the body uses to produce nitric oxide, a molecule important for healthy blood flow and erectile function.
Collagenase (Enzyme): Collagenase is an enzyme that breaks down collagen; a collagenase-based injection is one licensed treatment used to help reduce Peyronie’s Disease plaque in some countries.
Peyronie’s Assessment Tools
Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ): The Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) is a patient-reported survey used to assess the severity and impact of Peyronie’s Disease symptoms.
IIEF-5: The IIEF-5 is a short, 5-question survey used to screen for and measure the severity of erectile dysfunction.
Global Assessment of Peyronie’s Disease (GAPD): The GAPD is a patient-reported questionnaire used to track treatment response and changes in symptoms over the course of Peyronie’s Disease care.
Peyronie’s Treatments and Technology
Duolith SD1 T-Top: The Duolith SD1 T-Top is the focused shockwave therapy device used at our clinic, capable of delivering energy up to 1.24 mJ/mm² with its C-Actor handpiece for higher-energy Peyronie’s Disease treatment.
EMDA (Electromotive Drug Administration): EMDA is a technique that uses a mild electrical current to help drive medication more effectively into penile tissue than injection or topical application alone.
Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT): EMTT is a non-invasive treatment using magnetic pulses intended to stimulate tissue repair; evidence for its use specifically in Peyronie’s Disease remains limited. See our EMTT page for how the treatment is delivered.
Focused Shockwave Therapy for Peyronie’s: Focused Shockwave Therapy uses targeted acoustic waves to help break down scar tissue and stimulate blood flow. Full detail on how it works, the evidence and pricing is on our dedicated Focused Shockwave Therapy page.
NanoVi Exo: NanoVi Exo is a device that delivers humidified air intended to support cellular repair; Full detail is on our NanoVi Therapy page.
PD360: PD360 is our clinic’s comprehensive, multi-modal treatment programme for Peyronie’s Disease, combining several therapies tailored to each patient. See the PD360 Treatment page for the full protocol.
Penile Implant Surgery: Penile Implant Surgery places a medical device inside the penis to restore erectile function, and can also be used to help correct curvature in more severe cases of Peyronie’s Disease.
Penile Traction Therapy: Penile Traction Therapy uses a mechanical device to apply gentle, sustained stretching to reduce curvature and help restore length lost to Peyronie’s Disease.
RestoreX: RestoreX is the penile traction device we use to help apply gentle, sustained stretching as part of a Peyronie’s Disease treatment plan.
Plication Surgery: Plication Surgery straightens the penis by shortening the longer, unaffected side opposite the Peyronie’s Disease plaque.
Nesbit Procedure: The Nesbit Procedure is a specific plication technique used to surgically straighten a penis affected by Peyronie’s Disease curvature.
Vacuum Erection Device (VED): A Vacuum Erection Device uses gentle suction to draw blood into the penis and can support erectile function and tissue health. See our Penile Vacuum Pumps page for how the device works and who it suits.
Xiaflex® Injection: Xiaflex is an injectable enzyme treatment that breaks down collagen in Peyronie’s Disease plaque; it is licensed in the US but not routinely available in the UK.
Verapamil Intralesional Injection: Verapamil Injections deliver medication directly into Peyronie’s Disease plaque to help soften scar tissue and reduce curvature.
Interferon Intralesional Injection: Interferon Injections are an off-label treatment delivered directly into Peyronie’s Disease plaque to help reduce curvature and pain.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP Therapy uses a concentrated preparation of a patient’s own blood platelets to help stimulate tissue repair.
P-Shot (Priapus Shot): The P-Shot is a PRP-based injection treatment marketed for sexual health; it remains an experimental approach with limited clinical evidence for Peyronie’s Disease specifically.
Pentoxifylline: Pentoxifylline is an oral medication that improves blood flow and has been studied as an early, conservative treatment option for Peyronie’s Disease.
Colchicine: Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory medication that has been used as an oral treatment in early-stage Peyronie’s Disease, though evidence for its effectiveness is mixed.
Potassium Aminobenzoate (Potaba): Potaba is an oral anti-fibrotic medication that has been used in some cases of early Peyronie’s Disease to help limit scar tissue progression.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant supplement historically used as a low-cost, early oral treatment for Peyronie’s Disease, though modern evidence for its effectiveness is limited.
L-Carnitine: L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring compound that has been studied as a supplementary oral treatment in early-stage Peyronie’s Disease.
16-Dot Penile Plication: The 16-Dot Plication technique is a specific surgical method for straightening the penis, commonly used to treat Peyronie’s Disease curvature.
Penile Rehabilitation: Penile Rehabilitation is a structured recovery programme, often following surgery, designed to help restore natural erectile function over time.
Watchful Waiting: Watchful Waiting is an approach where a patient’s Peyronie’s Disease is closely monitored over time before starting active treatment, particularly during the early, active phase of the condition.
Sildenafil: Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, often prescribed alongside other treatments for men with Peyronie’s Disease.
Tadalafil: Tadalafil is a long-acting PDE5 inhibitor medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, often used to support men undergoing Peyronie’s Disease treatment.
Vardenafil: Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor medication used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Avanafil: Avanafil is a fast-acting PDE5 inhibitor medication used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Buccal Mucosa Graft: A Buccal Mucosa Graft uses tissue taken from inside the cheek to patch and straighten the penis during Peyronie’s Disease surgery.
Dermal Graft: A Dermal Graft uses a patient’s own skin tissue to patch the area of the penis opened during Peyronie’s Disease surgery.
Saphenous Vein Graft: A Saphenous Vein Graft uses a section of vein from the leg to patch and straighten the penis during Peyronie’s Disease surgery.
Diagnostics
Manual Palpation: Manual Palpation is a hands-on clinical examination in which a skilled clinician feels the penis to assess the size, location and consistency of Peyronie’s Disease plaque, helping to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
Penile Doppler Ultrasound: Penile Doppler Ultrasound is a specialised scan used to assess blood flow and tissue structure within the penis, helping to diagnose the extent of Peyronie’s Disease and any related erectile dysfunction.
Intracavernosal Injection Test: The Intracavernosal Injection Test involves inducing an erection with medication in a clinical setting so curvature and erectile function can be properly assessed.
X-ray Imaging: X-ray Imaging is occasionally used in Peyronie’s Disease to detect calcified plaque, though it cannot identify earlier, non-calcified scar tissue.
Photographic Documentation of Curvature: Photographic Documentation involves patients taking standardised photos of an erect penis to help clinicians measure and monitor Peyronie’s Disease curvature over time.
Stretched Penile Length (SPL): Stretched Penile Length is a measurement taken of the flaccid penis when gently extended, used to help assess changes in length associated with Peyronie’s Disease.
Goniometer: A Goniometer is a simple tool used in clinic to measure the precise angle of penile curvature caused by Peyronie’s Disease.
Gittes Test: The Gittes Test is an in-clinic procedure using an artificial erection to accurately assess the degree and direction of curvature before or during Peyronie’s Disease surgery.
Penile Biothesiometry: Penile Biothesiometry is a diagnostic test measuring nerve sensitivity in the penis, sometimes used to assess nerve function related to Peyronie’s Disease or its treatment.
Understanding the terminology surrounding Peyronie’s Disease can make it easier to research the condition, discuss your symptoms and consider the available treatment options. If you are experiencing penile curvature, pain, a noticeable lump or changes in erectile function, Mans Matters can help. Our experienced team provides confidential assessments and a range of non-surgical treatment options tailored to each patient. Contact Mans Matters to arrange a consultation and take the next step towards understanding and managing your symptoms.

