How is Peyronie’s Disease diagnosed?

Peyronie’s Disease diagnosis is based on history taking and on the examination of the patient. Frequently patients report that the disease has started following a trauma of the penis during sexual intercourse. Examination of the penis will demonstrate the presence of a lump, which can be elastic or indurated in texture.

Deformity can be assessed only during erection. Self-photography of the erect penis can be a useful tool to identify the nature of the deformity. However, this can underestimate the exact tridimensional extent of the curvature, as the picture is by definition bi-planar. Also, an incomplete erection will make the curvature appear less pronounced.

Alternatively, an artificial pharmacological erection can be induced in the office. This will allow the surgeon to better assess the tridimensional extent of the curvature and better plan the treatment options.

As patients with Peyronie’s Disease frequently have cardiovascular disease, a thorough assessment of the penile blood supply should be carried out performing an Eco Colour Doppler Ultrasound Scan. This investigation will provide the surgeon with extremely precious information that will also help to better decide which is the most appropriate treatment option for each specific patient.

Patients should be also actively screened for cardiovascular risk factors.