Peyronie’s disease, or penile curvature disease, is a condition that produces fiber-like lumps in the areas of the penis that fill with blood during an erection. These lumps, which are often called plaques, can grow and change the shape of the penis during an erection – usually resulting in a curved, painful erection.
Peyronie’s disease is believed to affect approximately 10 percent of men over the age of 40. This condition is best treated by a urologist.
There are several treatments for penile curvature disease, including medication, special injections, and ultrasound. Surgery is used in more complex cases.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Peyronie’s Disease
Some of the noninvasive or minimally invasive ways in which a doctor can treat Peyronie’s disease include:
Medication
Medications to treat Peyronie’s range from vitamin or mineral supplements and anti-inflammatories, to steroids and collagen. Some of these medicines are taken by mouth or are applied directly to the skin, while others are injected by your doctor.
A form of collagen, called collagenase, is an FDA-approved drug that is specifically indicated for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease. This is a particularly helpful treatment of the condition.
Medical Therapy
Another approach in the treatment of the disease is the use of high-intensity ultrasound, X-rays, or low-level electricity. These are used to help reduce the size of plaques (lumps) in the penis, improve (lessen) the angle of the curvature, and treat scarring. Other therapies used by urologists include vacuum devices and weights to stretch and improve the shape of the organ.
Surgical Treatments Your Doctor May Recommend
Urologists will recommend surgery only for men who do not improve after less invasive treatments, have painful or no erections, and are unable to have intercourse. The type of surgeries most often used are:
Grafting
In this procedure, the urologist removes the plaques and replaces them with tissues from a vein or similar material.
Device Implantation
The doctor places a special device around the penis that can control erections and improve the curvature, making it straighter.
Plication
The urologist creates a surgical fold on the skin of the penis in order to permanently redirect the curvature of the penis to normal angles.
Multiple Treatments
Sometimes these surgeries are used in combination. Like all surgeries, there are risks you should discuss with your doctor.
Rarely, some of these surgeries may result in numbness in the area, or erectile dysfunction. None of these procedures are designed to enlarge the length or girth of the penis.
Trusted Phoenix Urologist
Our team at Ironwood Urology is specially trained and dedicated to men’s health issues. Dr. Desi Avila is board-certified in urology, and he specializes in vasectomy, vasectomy reversal, and male infertility. He also treats Peyronie’s disease, low-T (low testosterone), erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, and more.
Dr. Avila has advanced training in minimally invasive robotic surgery and microsurgical procedures. His goal is always to improve and maintain the health and well-being of his patients.
He understands how difficult it can be for men to seek help for health issues, and he will treat you with respect and patience while maintaining complete confidentiality. To schedule an appointment, call us at (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment online. Dr. Avila is here to help you be healthy so you can enjoy life to the fullest.
