Peyronie’s disease is a medical condition that affects many men worldwide. Characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, this condition can cause discomfort, erectile dysfunction, and a significant bend or curve in the penis during an erection.
Despite its prevalence, Peyronie’s disease often goes untreated due to embarrassment or lack of awareness. Let’s explore the importance of early intervention in Peyronie’s disease and how Peyronie’s disease therapy can play a pivotal role in managing this condition.
Understanding Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease occurs when fibrous scar tissue forms under the skin of the penis, causing it to bend or curve during an erection. This can result in pain, difficulty with sexual intercourse, and, in some cases, psychological distress.
While the exact cause of Peyronie’s disease remains unknown, it’s often associated with penile injury. The trauma causes a localized bleeding inside the penis, leading to scar formation during the healing process.
The Significance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is vital in managing Peyronie’s disease due to several reasons:
Preventing Progression
Peyronie’s disease is characterized by its progressive nature, implying that it has a tendency to deteriorate over time if not addressed promptly.
The disease develops when scar tissue forms in the penis, leading to curved, painful erections. Over time, this curve can become more severe and make sexual intercourse difficult or even impossible.
Studies have also found that without the necessary treatment, only a minor percentage of men, about 10% to 15%, report a decrease in symptoms within a year. On the other hand, symptoms intensify for roughly 45% of men who do not receive treatment.
Therefore, early intervention is crucial as it can help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing further. By starting treatment during the initial stages of the disease, men’s health professionals can potentially halt or slow down the worsening of symptoms.
Reducing Complications
Untreated Peyronie’s disease can lead to several complications, one of the most common being erectile dysfunction. This condition prevents men from achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Other potential complications include penile shortening, pain, and psychological distress. Early treatment of Peyronie’s disease can significantly reduce the risk of these complications. By addressing the disease before it progresses, men’s health experts can mitigate the impact on a man’s sexual function and overall health.
Improving Quality of Life
Peyronie’s disease can severely impact a man’s quality of life. It affects not only his physical health but also his mental and emotional well-being. Men with Peyronie’s disease often experience stress, anxiety, and depression due to the impact of the disease on their sexual life.
Early treatment can significantly improve these aspects by reducing the severity of physical symptoms and providing psychological support to cope with the condition. By improving the physical symptoms associated with Peyronie’s disease, men can regain confidence in their sexual abilities, which can lead to improved mental and emotional health.
Exploring Peyronie’s Disease Therapy
There are various options available for Peyronie’s disease therapy, and the best approach often depends on the individual’s specific symptoms and the severity of the condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments
There are several non-surgical treatment options available for Peyronie’s disease, which include:
Intralesional Injection Therapy with Xiaflex® or Verapamil
This involves injecting medication directly into the scar tissue in the penis. Xiaflex® is an enzyme that breaks down the buildup of collagen, which causes curvature. On the other hand, Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that can also help reduce plaque size.
Oral Medication
Certain oral medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or vitamin E, may be prescribed to help manage the pain and reduce the size of the plaque.
Vacuum Erection Devices
These devices work by creating a vacuum around the penis, which draws blood into the organ, causing it to become erect. Regular use of such a device can help reduce curvature and maintain penile length.
Traction Devices
Traction devices apply a gentle and sustained stretch to the penis, which can help reduce curvature and maintain or increase length. The device needs to be worn for several hours each day over months.
Surgical Treatments
In more severe cases, surgical treatments may be necessary. These can include:
Scar Removal and Allograft
This surgical method involves removing the scar tissue (plaque) causing the penis to bend. An allograft, a tissue transplanted from a donor, is then used to fill the space where the plaque was removed. This can help straighten the penis and restore its normal function.
Surgical Plication
In this procedure, the surgeon makes a series of stitches on the side of the penis opposite the plaque, which effectively “plicates” or folds the tissue, helping to straighten the penis.
Penile Prosthesis
This is typically considered when Peyronie’s disease is accompanied by severe erectile dysfunction that doesn’t respond to other treatments. A penile prosthesis is a device that’s surgically implanted into the penis, allowing men to achieve an erection artificially.
There are two types of prostheses: semi-rigid and inflatable. The choice between the two usually depends on patient and doctor preference, as well as the severity of the condition.
Peyronie’s Disease Therapy in Phoenix, AZ
If you are looking for a men’s health expert who offers comprehensive and effective treatments for Peyronie’s disease, look no further. Dr. Desi Avila at Ironwood Urology, one of Phoenix’s leading men’s health specialists, offers a comprehensive range of non-surgical and surgical treatments for Peyronie’s disease. Our urologist offers early diagnosis and Peyronie’s disease therapy to prevent the progression of the disease and preserve erectile function.
For more information about Peyronie’s disease therapy or to schedule a consultation with our urologists, call us today at (480) 961-2323 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
