What is the cause of cavernous induration?

Cavernous induration is usually caused by Peyronie's disease and is mainly related to trauma, genetic factors, chronic inflammation, metabolic abnormalities and drug side effects.

1. Traumatic factors:

Repeated microtrauma to the penis is a common trigger, and sexual intercourse or external impact may cause damage to the fibrous tissue of the corpus cavernosum. Abnormal collagen deposition occurs during fibrosis repair after local bleeding, forming indurated plaques. Early symptoms include mild pain during sexual intercourse, which may be accompanied by penile curvature in the later stages.

2. Genetic tendencies:

About 15% of patients have a family history related to abnormal connective tissue metabolism caused by specific gene mutations. Such patients often suffer from fibrotic diseases such as palmar aponeurosis contracture, and the induration is mostly symmetrically distributed and progresses rapidly.

3. Chronic inflammation:

Long-term prostatitis or urethritis may trigger a local inflammatory reaction in the corpus cavernosum. Inflammatory cells release transforming growth factor β1 and other substances, which stimulate the excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and form hard fibrous plaques, which may be accompanied by urinary discomfort or perineal swelling and pain.

4. Metabolic disorders:

The incidence rates of patients with diabetes and hyperlipidemia are significantly increased. The hyperglycemic environment promotes the accumulation of advanced glycation end products, resulting in excessive cross-linking of elastic fibers in the tunica cavernosa. This type of induration is often accompanied by erectile dysfunction, and underlying diseases need to be controlled simultaneously.

5. Drug effects:

Long-term use of beta-blockers or antiepileptic drugs may interfere with collagen metabolism. Drug-induced induration usually presents as multiple small nodules. Some cases may soften spontaneously after stopping the drug, but severe cases still require medical intervention.

Patients are advised to avoid local pressure on the penis and choose loose underwear to reduce friction. Moderate supplementation of vitamin E and L-carnitine may improve the fibrosis process, and the omega-3 fatty acids rich in deep-sea fish have anti-inflammatory effects. Taking a sitz bath in warm water for 15 minutes a day can promote blood circulation, but you need to be careful that high temperatures aggravate tissue damage. Penile rehabilitation training should be carried out under the guidance of a specialist, using specific techniques to maintain tissue extensibility. Regular ultrasound examinations are performed to monitor changes in plaques. Extracorporeal shock wave or collagenase injection treatment needs to be considered when the disease duration exceeds 12 months or the curvature is greater than 30 degrees.