A medical disorder that affects the penis is called Peyronie’s disease. It is characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue in the tunica albuginea, the layer of tissue surrounding the corpora cavernosa, which are the structures responsible for penile erections. Peyronie’s disease in teens or mature men can cause pain, the curvature of the penis, and difficulty with sexual intercourse. In this article, we will discuss the treatment options for Peyronie’s disease.
Observation
In some cases, Peyronie’s disease may not cause significant symptoms and may not require treatment. If the curvature of the penis is not severe and does not interfere with sexual intercourse, a wait-and-see approach may be appropriate. However, it is important to monitor the condition for any changes in symptoms or progression of the disease.
Oral Medications
Oral medications are not typically effective in treating Peyronie’s disease directly, but they may be used to manage symptoms or improve overall sexual function. Medications that may be prescribed include:
- Pentoxifylline: This medication is believed to help reduce inflammation and promote the growth of healthy tissue. It may be used to treat Peyronie’s disease, but its effectiveness is not well-established.
- Colchicine: This medication is commonly used to treat gout, but it may also be used to reduce inflammation in Peyronie’s disease.
- Vitamin E: Some studies have suggested that vitamin E supplements may help reduce the curvature of the penis and improve sexual function in men with Peyronie’s disease.
- Verapamil: This medication is a calcium channel blocker that is sometimes used to treat Peyronie’s disease. It may help to reduce the amount of scar tissue in the penis.
Injections
Injectable medications may be used to treat Peyronie’s disease. These medications are typically injected directly into the scar tissue in the penis. Some commonly used injectable medications include:
- Collagenase: This medication is an enzyme that breaks down collagen, which is a component of scar tissue. When injected into the penis, collagenase can help to break down the fibrous plaques associated with Peyronie’s disease. This treatment is called Xiaflex and has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease.
- Interferon: This medication is a protein that is naturally produced by the immune system. When injected into the scar tissue in the penis, interferon may help to reduce inflammation and promote the growth of healthy tissue.
Surgery
Surgery could be a possibility for men with severe Peyronie’s disease that causes significant curvature of the penis or interferes with sexual function. There are several surgical procedures that may be used to treat Peyronie’s disease, including:
- Nesbit procedure: This is the most common surgical treatment for Peyronie’s disease. It involves removing a crescent-shaped piece of tissue from the side of the penis opposite the curvature. This shortens the longer side of the penis and helps to straighten it.
- Penile plication: This procedure involves placing sutures on the opposite side of the penis from the curvature, which helps to straighten it. This is a less invasive option than the Nesbit procedure.
- Penile prosthesis: In some cases, a penile prosthesis may be implanted to help with erectile dysfunction caused by Peyronie’s disease. This may involve placing an inflatable device in the penis that can be inflated to produce an erection.
- Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be used to treat Peyronie’s disease, although it is not a commonly used option. Radiation therapy can be seen as a new treatment for Peyronie’s disease. This treatment involves using high-energy radiation to destroy the fibrous plaques associated with Peyronie’s disease.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Peyronie’s disease
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy shock waves to break down the fibrous plaques associated with Peyronie’s disease. The shock waves are delivered to the penis using a device that is placed on the skin. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Peyronie’s disease may be effective in reducing curvature and improving sexual function. Does shockwave therapy work for Peyronie’s disease? It does but doesn’t work for every man. However, the long-term effectiveness of this treatment is not yet clear, and it is not widely available.
Vacuum Therapy
Vacuum therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that involves using a device that creates negative pressure around the penis, which can help to improve blood flow and promote the growth of healthy tissue. A vacuum erection device or VED for Peyronie’s disease may be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as oral medications or injections.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can also help to manage symptoms of Peyronie’s disease. Some recommended lifestyle changes include:
- Quitting smoking: Smoking can contribute to the development of Peyronie’s disease and can make symptoms worse.
- Losing weight: Being overweight can increase the risk of developing Peyronie’s disease and can make symptoms worse.
- Eating a healthy diet: A diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to promote overall health and may help to manage symptoms of Peyronie’s disease.
- Exercising regularly: Regular exercise can help to improve overall health and may help to manage symptoms of Peyronie’s disease.
- Counselling: Counselling may be helpful for men with Peyronie’s disease who are experiencing psychological distress or difficulty coping with the condition. Counselling can provide support and help to manage anxiety, depression, or relationship issues related to Peyronie’s disease.
To sum up, Peyronie’s disease can be a distressing and uncomfortable condition for men. However, there are many treatment options available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. It is important to seek professional medical advice and guidance on which treatment option is best suited for you.
If you are suffering from Peyronie’s disease or have concerns about your sexual health, it is important to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional. For example, you can contact us at MansMatters. Mansmatters is a men’s health clinic that provides discreet and convenient access to experienced medical professionals who specialize in men’s health issues. They can offer personalized treatment plans and support for men living with Peyronie’s disease.
