Peyronie’s disease causes a distinct curvature to an erect penis, affecting both its appearance and function. Peyronie’s disease occurs most often in men between the ages of 40 to 60 and it can impact your most intimate relationships.
Peyronie’s disease can make intercourse painful and when the curve is severe enough, nearly impossible. Unfortunately, the length and girth of the penis often are impacted, too.
If you think you may have Peyronie’s disease, seek help from a trained urologist who understands the condition and the various nonsurgical ways to treat it.
Reasons for Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease tends to run in families. It occurs due to the buildup of scar tissue within the penile shaft.
The reasons behind this relatively common men’s health issue include:
- Trauma to the groin and genitals
- Cancer in the genital or urinary systems
- Lupus and scleroderma (both are autoimmune disorders)
A family history of Peyronie’s disease and aging are both risk factors for the condition.
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
To begin the diagnostic and treatment process, consult a qualified urologist and men’s health specialist to understand your specific underlying physical contributors to the condition, including which treatment options may prove most effective for you.
There are several treatments for Peyronie’s disease. Some involve injections into the penis itself to break up scar tissue. Traction or suction devices help some men who have mild to moderate curvatures. Surgical application places sutures on the short side of the curvature to straighten the penis
Oral Medications That Treat Peyronie’s Disease
For some men, surgery is unnecessary or, for medical reasons, is not the best choice. There are a variety of oral medications that can reduce pain and scarring associated with Peyronie’s disease. These medications include the following:
NSAIDs
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)can help with the pain and discomfort associated with penile curvature. The two most commonly recommended OTC pain relievers are ibuprofen and naproxen. These drugs do not cure Peyronie’s disease, but they can address symptoms associated with the condition.
ED Drugs
Prescription Cialis or Viagra increases blood flow to the penis and can sometimes help straighten an erect penis. Ask your urologist if this type of medication is right for you.
POTABA
Potassium parapaminobenzoate (POTABA) is a type of complex vitamin B supplement believed to help soften hard tissue, or plaque, within the penis shaft. It is available by prescription only.
Colchicine & Pentoxifylline (PTX)
Recent studies indicate that both colchicine and pentoxifylline may improve signs and symptoms of Peyronie’s disease – although more studies are needed to confirm these results.
Peyronie’s Disease Treatment from Your Men’s Health Specialist
At Ironwood Urology in Phoenix and Gilbert, Arizona, urologist Dr. Desiderio Avila offers men’s health services that can help to restore sexual function, including for men suffering from Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and more. Dr. Avila offers compassionate and accurate treatments that really work.
Call our office today at (480) 961-2323 for an appointment with Dr. Avila at either our Phoenix or our Gilbert office. You’ll be glad you did.
