Is there any way of determining exactly how long one has had PD?

Dr. Levine answers: This is a good question. For the man who develops acute onset of PD, the typical findings are pain in the penis, either followed by or preceded by the presence of a palpable nodule or lump, which is then followed by a shape deformity of the penis. Most commonly the deformity is curvature, but it can also be an indentation/narrowing or shortening of the shaft. Up to 90% of my patients also experience some diminished erectile rigidity. This may be due to underlying vascular or structural problems, but may also be due to psychogenic inhibition because of the distress caused by the change in the shape of the penis.