Peyronie’s disease is a condition marked by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, causing it to curve unnaturally. This can lead to significant distress, including difficulties with sexual intercourse and psychological concerns.
Fortunately, several therapeutic options are available for managing this condition. Let’s discuss the available Peyronie’s disease therapies and how you can effectively handle this condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Some men respond well to conservative or non-surgical treatments of Peyronie’s disease.
Oral Medications
Oral medications are often the first line of treatment for Peyronie’s disease. These include:
Potassium Para-Aminobenzoate (Potaba)
Potaba is a vitamin B complex that may improve the condition by breaking down the fibrous tissueand reducing the size of the scar. However, it requires a high dosage and can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Colchicine
An anti-inflammatory drug often used to treat gout, colchicine may reduce pain and inflammation associated with Peyronie’s disease. It has fewer side effects than Potaba but is less effective in reducing penile curvature.
Injections
Injections directly into the plaque can help break down the scar tissue and reduce the curvature. These include:
Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex)
The only FDA-approved injectable treatment for Peyronie’s disease, Xiaflex, works by breaking down the collagen structure of the penile plaque. It’s generally well-tolerated but may cause side effects like penile bruising or swelling.
Interferon
Interferon helps break down fibrous tissue and reduce curvature by disrupting the production of fibrous tissue. Like Xiaflex, it can cause side effects such as swelling or bruising at the injection site.
Verapamil Injection Therapy
Verapamil injection therapy involves injecting a calcium channel blocker called verapamil into the plaque that causes sexual dysfunctions. This works by disrupting the scar tissue and preventing further formation of scar tissues.
While Peyronie’s disease therapy requires multiple sessions, it has minimal side effects, and the success rate makes it an excellent option for Peyronie’s disease treatment.
Traction Devices
Penis extenders or traction devices apply a gentle stretch to the penis, which can help straighten the curvature over time. They are non-invasive and can be used in combination with other therapies. However, they require consistent, long-term use for optimal results.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery is usually reserved for severe or stabilized cases of Peyronie’s disease where non-surgical treatments have not been effective.
Penile Plication
This procedure involves making a tuck or ‘plication’ in the tunica albuginea on the side of the penis opposite the plaque, which can straighten the penis. Penile plication preserves erectile function but may lead to penile shortening.
Plaque Incision or Excision and Grafting
In this surgery, the plaque is either incised (making a surgical cut into the fibrous scar tissue) or excised (surgically removing the entire piece of fibrous scar tissue), and a graft (a piece of tissue of your skin, animal skin, or synthetic material) is placed to cover the defect.
It is more effective in correcting severe curvatures but carries a higher risk of erectile dysfunction compared to penile plication.
Penile Prosthesis
In cases where Peyronie’s disease is accompanied by severe erectile dysfunction, a penile prosthesis may be implanted.
This procedure involves surgically implanting a totally concealed inflatable device into your penis that allows you to achieve a straight, rigid erection. This procedurecan correct the curvature and restore erectile function but is invasive and carries the risk of complications like infection or device malfunction.
Choosing the Right Peyronie’s Disease Therapy
Choosing the best treatment for Peyronie’s disease depends on various factors, including:
- The severity of the curvature
- The presence of pain
- The patient’s sexual function
- The patient’s overall health
It’s crucial to have a detailed discussion with your urologist to understand the potential benefits and risks of Peyronie’s disease therapy and decide on the best course of action.
Peyronie’s Disease Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona
While Peyronie’s disease can be distressing, it is manageable, and help is available. At Ironwood Urology, our board-certified urologist specializes in men’s health, including the treatment of Peyronie’s disease. With his extensive experience and patient-focused approach, he provides comprehensive care designed to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Dr. Avila will perform a comprehensive evaluation and fully explain the risks and benefits of your treatment options so you can make an informed decision about your health.
Whether you’re considering surgical intervention or seeking non-surgical treatments for Peyronie’s disease, Dr. Avila and his team are committed to providing you with the highest quality care.
To learn more about the difference between Peyronie’s disease therapies or to set up a private consultation with our urologist, call us today at (480) 961-2323 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
