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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffFor most men, Peyronie's disease can be diagnosed with a physical exam and by answering questions about symptoms. Rarely, other conditions cause similar symptoms and need to be ruled out.
Tests to diagnose Peyronie's disease and understand exactly what's causing your symptoms may include the following:
- Physical exam. Your doctor will feel (palpate) your penis when it's not erect, to identify the location and amount of scar tissue you have. He or she may also measure the length of your penis. If the condition continues to worsen, this initial measurement helps determine whether the penis has shortened. Your doctor may also ask you to bring in photos of your erect penis you take at home. This can determine the degree of curvature, location of scar tissue or other details that might help identify the best treatment approach.
- Other tests. Your doctor may order ultrasound, X-rays or other tests to examine the penis when it's erect. Before taking images of your penis, you will likely receive an injection directly into the penis that causes it to become erect. You'll be given local anesthesia to lessen pain before the injection. Ultrasound is the most commonly used test for penis abnormalities. Ultrasound tests use sound waves to produce images of soft tissues. It can show the presence of scar tissue, blood flow to the penis and any abnormalities.
References
- Peyronie's disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/peyronie. Accessed May 31, 2011.
- Brant WO, et al. Peyronie's disease: Diagnosis and medical management. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 23, 2011.
- Brant WO, et al. Surgical management of Peyronie's disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 23, 2011.
- Kumar R. Surgical and minimally invasive treatments for Peyronie's disease. Current Opinion in Urology. 2009;19:589.
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