5-10% of men have been diagnosed with a urological condition called Peyronie’s Disease in the United States. This number is not exact, and is probably higher, as due to embarrassment, many men do not seek help for this problem. It is classified as a sexual dysfunction disorder, but the truth is, it causes more than just sexual problems. The psychological effects can cause confidence and self-esteem issues, and often times relationship problems too if left untreated.
When a man develops Peyronie’s Disease, scar tissue develops inside the penis. This scar tissue causes unnatural curvatures or bending in the penis, often accompanied by pain, which in turn makes achieving and sustaining an erection difficult during sex. This can often lead to embarrassment, frustration, and depression, and can make one very self-conscious.
Although the exact cause of PD is not completely understood, it can run in families and injuries from things like biking and even vigorous sexual activity can contribute to developing the disease.
PD can be diagnosed by your urologist but is often self-diagnosed by common symptoms including:
· Scar tissue that can be felt under the skin in the penis shaft
· Difficulty with erections
· Penis shortening
· Significant bending of the penis
· Pain during an erection, orgasm, or anytime the penis is touched
The good news is, treatment options to improve your penile function are available, and in some patients, the condition can fade on its own.
If your symptoms are mild and the curvature not too pronounced and you still have the sexual function, your doctor may decide to wait on treatment and simply monitor your condition. If your symptoms are getting worse or are severe, your doctor may recommend medication or surgery to treat the condition.
There are a number of medication that can be used to treat Peyronie’s Disease, but their efficacy is inconsistent. In some cases, oral medication is used. In others, an injection into the penis is given. Surgery has been the most effective treatment to date, with high success rates.
If you live with Peyronie’s Disease there are a few things you can do to help improve your situation and even your sex life. If you can still achieve an erection, try taking anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen before having sex. This can help ease the pain and make sex more enjoyable. You can also try changing the way you usually have sex (the angle of penetration and overall position). You might find that having sex in a seated position, for example, makes it easier. You should also seek the help of a good urologist. They are experts in treating this condition and can help you to achieve wellness if the condition is causing big problems for you.
To learn more about Peyronie’s disease, call Dr. Avila today at (480) 961-2323 to schedule a consultation, or request one online. Dr. Avila and the caring staff at Ironwood Urology make your privacy, comfort, and most importantly your health, their number one priority.
