Is Peyronie’s disease hereditary?
Acquired penile curvature, medically known as Peyronie’s disease (PD), is a condition in which patients develop excess scar tissue, known as plaques, on the shaft of the penis. As a result, the penis bends, curves, or becomes deformed during an erection. This change in shape can be painful and make sexual intercourse difficult or even impossible.
The exact cause of why and when PD develops has not yet been conclusively clarified.
If you notice any changes in your penis, see an andrologist or urologist at an early stage!
Injuries likely trigger for PD
Penile injuries are considered to be the trigger for the occurrence of PD. However, this does not have to be a single incident; many small “micro-injuries” that occur during sexual intercourse, masturbation, or even sports can also be the cause.
However, not every man who injures his penis will develop acquired penile curvature. The penis only curves if there is an excessive healing response and plaque formation. It is therefore assumed that some people are more susceptible to PD than others due to their genetic makeup.
Genetic predisposition to PD
There are several indications supporting the hypothesis that natural gene mutations could play a role in the development of acquired penile curvature.
Familial clustering
The fact that there are families in which the condition occurs frequently suggests a genetic predisposition. Studies have shown that if the father or brother already suffers from PD, the probability is significantly higher that the son or brother will also develop PD.
Thus, PD itself is not hereditary, but parents may pass on the predisposition to their children through their genes.
Ethnicity
Belonging to certain ethnic groups also appears to be associated with a predisposition to developing PD. According to a US study from 2023 involving over 17,600 participants, 71% of those affected were of Caucasian descent, 15% were African American, approximately 6% were Hispanic, 2% were Native American, and less than 1% were of Asian descent.
These findings suggest that genetic changes may play a role in the development of the disease. These can cause excessive thickening and scarring of the connective tissue. However, it is still unclear exactly which genes are responsible.
Other risk factors for developing PD
In addition to these genetic predispositions, other factors can also increase the risk of developing acquired penile curvature.
Age
The penis changes with age. The older you get, the higher the risk of developing penile curvature. Although younger men can also develop PD, acquired penile curvature mainly affects men over the age of 40. It is estimated that up to 10% of all men develop penile curvature during their lifetime.
Autoimmune diseases
In addition, men who suffer from certain autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome or lupus are likely to have a predisposition to PD. This is because PD occurs significantly more frequently in these patients.
In these diseases, the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body’s own tissue. These antibodies can also attack cells in the penis and cause the formation of scar tissue.
Connective tissue disorders
Patients suffering from connective tissue disorders are also disproportionately affected by penile curvature. For example, patients with Dupuytren’s contracture (a disorder of the connective tissue in the palms of the hands) , Ledderhose disease / Plantar fibromatosis (connective tissue disorder in the soles of the feet), or plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the sole of the foot) are also very often affected by Peyronie’s Disease.
If you notice any changes in your penis, see an andrologist or urologist at an early stage!
