If you are living with Peyronie’s disease, you may feel self-conscious about the appearance and function of your penis, affecting your relationship with your partner. If so, we encourage you to learn all you can about this men’s health problem so together, you and your partner can understand and work through its challenges. Here is what you need to know about Peyronie’s disease and the impact it has on your most intimate relationships.
The Symptoms and Causes of Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease is the name for a mild or moderate to severe curvature of the erect penis. Caused by scar tissue within the penile shaft, this chronic urologic condition features a number of symptoms such as:
- Distinct curving of the penile shaft to the left or right or in an upward direction
- Pain during and after sexual intercourse
- Shortening or lengthening of the penis
What causes Peyronie’s disease remains something of a mystery, despite extensive research into this men’s sexual health problem. However, there does seem to be a hereditary component to its development. For instance, if your dad or brother has Peyronie’s disease, you possibly may develop it, too.
That said, this complex condition also may be related to traumatic injury to the penis. Repeated blows or stresses on the penis may lead to the development of the hard nodules or scar tissue characteristic of the disease. This scar tissue impedes normal blood flow within the penis during sexual arousal. The result is a painful, distorted erection.
Age may also be a contributing factor. Middle-aged and senior men seem more prone to developing Peyronie’s disease, as are smokers and men who have had surgery on their prostate glands.
Finally, the repeated pressure of cycling on the genital area or even rough sexual activity may predispose a man to Peyronie’s disease. Whatever the case, it is wise to get a urologic evaluation with a doctor who is expert in men’s health issues so a treatment plan can be developed to manage the condition.
The Effect of Peyronie’s Disease on Relationships
As with most any health problem, education is key to understanding Peyronie’s disease and lessening its impact on interpersonal relationships. For some men, Peyronie’s disease can take an extreme toll on their mental and emotional health. This can eventually lead to abstaining from any sexual activity altogether, fearing that their partner may not be accepting of the appearance of their penis as a result of the condition.
As such, partners may also feel left out or wonder if other problems may be interfering with their intimate lives.
Coping With Peyronie’s Disease
The first step in coping with Peyronie’s disease is an in-office consultation with a board-certified urologist who sub-specializes in men’s sexual health issues. During your appointment, your doctor will discuss your symptoms and your medical history with you. You will undergo a physical examination, including ultrasound imaging, and together you and your doctor will determine the best course of treatment. Be sure to bring your partner into the conversation so you make important decisions together as a couple.
Treatments can include:
- Oral medications, such as FDA-approved collagenase
- Interferon to break up scar tissue
- At-home traction therapy to gradually straighten the penis
- Surgical plication, or suturing, of one side of the penis
- Inflatable penile implants (also helpful if the man has erectile dysfunction) or vacuum devices
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or low-frequency sound waves applied to the penis to break up harmful plaques
Treatment For Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms in Phoenix, AZ
At Ironwood Urology, Dr, Desiderio Avila, Jr. has extensive experience in evaluating and treating many men’s sexual health issues, including the frustration of Peyronie’s disease. When you call us for an in-person consultation with Dr. Avila, bring your partner with you. Together you can discuss the diagnosis and care plan. Rest assured, Dr. Avila takes a compassionate approach with couples who wish to face and manage Peyronie’s disease.
To arrange your appointment at either our Phoenix or Gilbert, Arizona location, call (480) 941-2323, or request your visit with Dr. Avila here. We will be more than happy to meet with you.
