Peyronie’s Disease Treatment
If you have a bent or curved penis, you may be dealing with Peyronie’s disease. You are not alone; it is estimated that almost 25% of men over 40 suffer with Peyronie’s Disease at some point. And although it’s a benign condition, it can be painful and make sexual intercourse unbearable.
It’s normal for a man’s penis to curve slightly. But Peyronie’s Disease may cause a bend up to 90 degrees. It is an inflammatory condition that causes the curvature or deforming of the penis to bend up, down, or to each side.
Peyronie’s occurs when the penis bends due to an accumulation of fibrous scar tissue. In many cases, this is a new or unexpected bend in the penis. It can impact sexual performance and cause debilitating pain.
The top symptoms of Peyronie’s may include:
- Bent or curved penis
- Penis pain during erection and orgasm, though sometimes when flaccid
- Lumps in the penis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of penis length
Peyronie’s disease may also lead to high levels of stress and anxiety. Fortunately, Peyronie’s is treatable!
WHAT CAUSES PEYRONIE’S DISEASE?
Peyronie’s is caused by some sort of injury to the penis. Scar tissue forms as a healing response to the trauma. The damage may be caused by anything, such as a sporting accident, car accident, sex incident, or treatment for prostate cancer.
The penis has two sponge-like tubes on either side called the corpus cavernosum. These are filled with capillaries that engorge with blood to have an erection. If the vessels are damaged, scar tissue forms during healing and can lead to Peyronie’s Disease.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS?
Most medications for Peyronie’s are injected directly into the penis. Treatment with Xiaflex (clostridium hystolyticum) involves a series of penile injections that help break down the buildup of collagen. This can “loosen the gunk” in your penis to return it to its natural elasticity. It’s typically only recommended or prescribed for men with a curvature of more than 30 degrees.
Interferon can be used to break down the fibrous tissue and also help reduce swelling and pain. Verapamil injections are another possible option. This is a hypertension therapy medication that stimulates collagen activity, which plays a role in wound healing.
If you have only a slight curve, we might prescribe anti-inflammatories to temporarily relieve discomfort. When the pain goes away, you may not need treatment if the curve isn’t that severe. Anti-inflammatories can reduce pain and discomfort associated with Peyronie’s but do not reduce scarring or fix the bend.
Shockwave therapy can break up scar tissue. It uses waves to break up the scar tissue inside to help rid the body of backup and plaque.
Vacuum devices can pull the penis outwards. This helps break up the tissue and straighten the penis. Vacuum devices are sometimes used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction as well.
Penile therapy may help rehabilitate your penis. Therapy is especially recommended for patients taking medication like Xiaflex. If indicated for your situation, we can help you with penis exercises that get rid of pain and scarring.
The Nesbit Procedure is often used to remove or pinch the tissue where there’s scarring or plaque. This gets rid of the tissue, which frees the penis to bend and flex as it used to. Although it’s the most successful reconstructive procedure, it also causes a shortening of the penis. Thus, it’s usually reserved for men who have adequate length, don’t suffer from erectile dysfunction, and don’t have any other nonsurgical options.
Prosthetic implants can be used to strengthen the curve of the penis while increasing the hardness of erections. The implant is put in the spongy tissue that gets filled with blood during sexual arousal.
WE CAN HELP!
As you can see, there are many treatments to manage your pain and restore your sexual function. Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the options. We will take the time to determine the best choice for you.
You can and should have a healthy, happy sex life. Learn how we can help by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Gapin.
Dr. Gapin is board certified by the American Board of Urology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. After his undergraduate education at Texas A&M University and medical school training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, he completed a general surgery internship and urology residency at the University of Florida.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
Complete the form to request a Free Consultation with a Gapin Institute Men’s Wellness Adviser today!
