Peyronie’s disease affects almost 10% of American men ages 40 to 70. Painful and caused by scar tissue within the penis, this men’s health condition can be treated with the use of physical therapy and an individualized care plan.
Here is more about Peyronie’s disease and how your men’s health specialist can help you.
What Is Peyronie’s Disease?
Most men have a fairly straight shape to their erections. However, those who have Peyronie’s disease–a hereditary or injury-related defect of the penile connective tissue–experience a painful curve to the penis.
The penis may bend to one side or upwards, with the curve measuring 30 degrees or even more. Some men even report having an hourglass shape– which can prohibit normal penetration during sexual intercourse.
In fact, the distortion of penile shape and size can be so severe for some men, it becomes difficult for them to have intercourse altogether. Peyronie’s disease can also make erections flaccid, making erectile dysfunction (ED) complicate some therapies used to overcome this chronic urologic and men’s sexual condition.
The curving, shape, and size associated with Peyronie’s disease are related to build-up of scar tissue, or plaque, within the penile shaft. Besides collagen, this plaque may even contain stubborn calcifications, or buildup of excess calcium.
Many men with Peyronie’s disease also have connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma or Dupuytren’s contracture. Your urology specialis will discuss your medical and family history and perform some in-office tests to determine the causes and to develop a detailed care plan to manage your Peyronie’s disease.
Treating Peyronie’s Disease
The good news is that Peyronie’s disease is treatable, particularly when men seek treatment early on in the acute phase of the condition. Our urologist, Dr. Desiderio Avila, sees this problem fairly frequently. He is well- versed in the latest Peyronie’s treatments and works with each of his patients to develop strategies which yield good results.
Treatment strategies can include:
- Oral medications, such as Cialis
- FDA-approved Xiaflex injections to break up plaque within the penile shaft
- Vacuum devices
- Penile implants to improve the shape, curvature, and firmness of the erect penis
- Surgical plication in which the straight side of the penis is sutured, creating a straighter erection
Physical Therapy and Peyronie’s Disease
Penile traction is one of the least invasive and most effective ways to gradually straighten a penis which has an abnormal curvature due to Peyronie’s disease. Consisting of a clamp and an anchoring ring placed at the base of the penis, the traction device delivers 20 to 40 degrees of correction in curvature. The device has to be worn for several hours a day for weeks to months, depending on patient need and his ability or willingness to do this physical therapy treatment consistently and correctly.
Additionally, there are some physical therapy modalities which are less invasive and may help reduce penile curvature and increase the ability to have satisfactory sexual activity. These modalities include:
- Using a personal lubricant during sexual intercourse to assist with penetration
- Avoiding sexual positions which bend or place excessive stress on the penis
- Using your hand to guide the penis forward during penetration
In addition, be open and honest with your intimate partner. Peyronie’s disease requires good communication for successful long-term management. It is important to note that not all treatments work for everyone. So be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new treatment modalities.
Peyronie’s Disease Treatment in Gilbert and Phoenix, AZ
At Ironwood Urology, our urology and men’s health specialist, Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr., offers expert and customized treatments to men diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease. Taking a holistic approach to treating Peyronie’s disease, our goal is to minimize the impact on your daily life and help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Want to learn more about which interventions and therapies may help you? Call us today for a consultation with Dr. Avila at either our Gilbert or our Phoenix, AZ, locations at (480) 961-2323, or request a visit here. We look forward to speaking with you.
