Peyronie’s disease is a type of erectile dysfunction that leads to both physical and emotional scarring. It is caused by penile tissue damage resulting in the formation of scar tissue called plaque. Depending on the location and size of the plaque, the penis may bend downward or upward or become indented. The bending may occur suddenly (almost overnight) or happen gradually, beginning with soreness and lumps that develop into a hardened scar. While Peyronie’s disease is most often found in middle-aged men, it can occur at any age.
Here are 3 effective ways to treat Peyronie’s disease:
Medications
Drug therapy is helpful for most men who are affected by Peyronie’s disease, especially during the acute phase. For instance, oral Vitamin E will make the plaques smaller and help to straighten the bent penis. Potassium Amino-Benzoate (Potaba), Tamoxifen, PABA, Colchicine and Carnitine are also effective during the acute phase of the disease. Likewise, during the early stages of the condition, drugs for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra), may be beneficial.
As an alternative to oral medications, injecting certain drugs directly into the plaque can bring relief, particularly for men in the acute phase of the disorder who are not sure whether they want to undergo surgery. For example, verapamil injections disrupt the protein responsible for the formation of lesions in Peyronie’s disease, thus helping to relieve acute symptoms. Interferon injections prevent swelling and control scarring, while collagenase injections break down the plaque and are recommended for treating men with a penis curve of more than 30 degrees. Injection therapy may be administered using a combination of above drugs plus hyaluronidase, betamethasone or prostaglandin E1. Another method of applying these drugs is iontophoresis (electromotive administration/EMDA), where the drug is applied on the penile skin and then pushed through the skin using a low electric current.
Radiation Therapy
During radiation therapy, high-energy rays are targeted at the plaque to relieve the pain. The disadvantage of radiation therapy is that it relieves the pain on the bent penis without having a direct effect on the plaque which causes erectile dysfunction. Instead of radiation therapy, a man may opt for shockwave therapy, a form of mechanical treatment that uses a lithotripter device (such as those used for breaking up kidney stones) to break down calcified plaques or scarring. Other mechanical devices that can be used to treat the disease are low-dose radiotherapy and vacuum-based machines.
Surgery
Surgery for Peyronie’s disease is reserved for men suffering from severe, disabling penile disorder that makes it difficult to have sex. Before the surgery, the urologist will check the blood flow in the penis by injecting a drug to make it stiff and also examining the penis using ultrasound. The tests are used to assess the penis before deciding the type of surgery that is ideal. There are three basic ways through which the urologist will fix the disorder surgically. First, the urologist can remove the plaque and replace it with a tissue patch, helping to stretch the penis and restore its original length. Secondly, the surgeon may change or remove part of the tunica albuginea from the penis area opposite the plaque, an operation known as the Nesbit procedure. Lastly, the urologist may perform penile prosthesis implantation, a procedure recommended for men having both Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion
Since Peyronie’s disease varies extensively in how it affects patients, the treatment chosen should be carefully selected according to an individual’s condition. Most importantly, treatment should aim to preserve sexual function. If you are suffering from the disease, it is important to work closely with a urologist in order to get the right resources, prompt diagnosis and correct treatment, and to prevent the disease from turning into a crisis. For more information on dealing with Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction, visit Advanced Urology Institute.
FAQs
What is the most effective treatment for Peyronie's disease? ›
Surgery. Surgery has been shown to be the most effective treatment for Peyronie's disease to correct the curvature of the penis. However, it is usually only recommended in severe cases for patients who fail to respond to non-surgical therapy and have curvature for longer than 12 months.
How does a urologist treat Peyronie's disease? ›Intralesional collagenase injections (Xiaflex) are currently the only FDA-approved treatment for Peyronie's disease. Collagenase is an enzyme that helps break down the substances that make up plaques. Breaking down the plaques reduces penile curving and improves erectile function.
What are the new treatments for Peyronie's disease? ›Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) is an FDA approved prescription medicine that is administered by a trained professional only. Xiaflex is injected directly into the hardened tissue in two courses, and the area is massaged to successfully break down the scar tissue.
What is the gold standard treatment for Peyronie's disease? ›Surgery remains the most effective treatment for Peyronie's disease and is considered the gold standard.
How can I heal my Peyronies naturally? ›Exercise and massage are an important part of treatment for patients with Peyronie's disease, and may help reduce the curvature of the penis and the hardness of the plaque. Stretching exercises appear to be the most effective type of exercise technique.
What is the best non surgical treatment for Peyronie's disease? ›Traction devices place tension on the flaccid penis. The force is translated to the penile plaque and promotes remodeling via a biomechanical process known as mechanotransduction. "Penile traction therapy is the only nonsurgical treatment that has been reliably shown to increase penile length in some patients.
Does stretching really help Peyronie's? ›Yes, certain types of exercise can help Peyronie's disease. According to Massachusetts General Hospital, gentle stretching of the sheath can correct the curvature by breaking down some of the scar tissue.
How does vitamin E help Peyronie's disease? ›Drug therapy is helpful for most men who are affected by Peyronie's disease, especially during the acute phase. For instance, oral Vitamin E will make the plaques smaller and help to straighten the bent penis.
How much size do you lose with Peyronie's? ›Penile prostheses
A contemporary series of 90 patients who underwent IPP placement for PD reported that patients experienced a subjective penile length loss of 1.6 inches prior to the procedure and an additional 0.25 to 4 inches of subjective loss following the procedure.
Grasp the tip of the penis with the fingers of one hand and hold the base of the penis with the fingers of the other. Gently pull the penis away from the body to its full length. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Let go and allow the penis to return to normal, unstretched length.
Has anyone recovered from Peyronie's disease? ›
Peyronie disease often happens in a mild form that heals on its own in 6 to 15 months. There is no cure for Peyronie disease.
Is Viagra bad for Peyronie's disease? ›Research³ shows that taking Viagra will not worsen Peyronie's disease or cause injury to the penis during sex, but it's always good to be careful if you're worried. However, Viagra has been shown to potentially alleviate ED and mild curvature in patients with early-stage Peyronie's disease.
Does magnesium help Peyronie's? ›Of the 10 patients initially treated with topical magnesium sulfate, three (30%) had improvement in curvature while six (60%) experienced a decrease in plaque size. The average improvement in degrees of curvature was 14.1%.
How does coq10 help Peyronie's disease? ›To decrease penile plaque size, reduce penile curvature, and improve erectile function in patients with Peyronie disease[17] To decrease statin-related mild-to-moderate myalgias[19] To improve subjective fatigue and physical performance during bicycling exercise routines in healthy patients[20]
Can too much vitamin D cause Peyronie's disease? ›There is a relationship between Peyronie's disease and high serum vitamin D levels. Also, increased low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases were associated with Peyronie's disease. Keywords: Peyronie's disease; penile curvature; plaque; vitamin D.
What is Chinese medicine for Peyronie's disease? ›The traditional Chinese medicine for treating peyronie disease comprises the following raw traditional Chinese medicinal materials in parts by weight: 6-12 parts of roots of root of kirilow rhodiola, 6-12 parts of common burreed rhizome, 6-12 parts of rhizoma curcumae, 6-12 parts of semen cuscutae, 4-8 parts of herba ...
How do you soften Peyronie's plaque? ›Your doctor will numb the area of the penis at the location of the plaque, then inject a medication. The medication options for injections include: Collagenase (Xiaflex). This works to break up plaques, reduce curving, and improve erectile function.
How do you regain length after Peyronie's? ›Penile Traction Therapy: First-Line Treatment for Penile Length Loss. Penile traction therapy has been shown to help men regain 1/2-1 inch of penile length. It is important to know that penile traction therapy takes many months to work and requires prolonged use daily.
Can Peyronie's be stopped? ›Peyronie's disease rarely goes away on its own. In most men with Peyronie's disease, the condition will remain as is or worsen. Early treatment soon after developing the condition may keep it from getting worse or even improve symptoms.
What happens if you don't treat Peyronie's? ›If Peyronie's disease is left untreated, it can cause long-term problems when it comes to sexual satisfaction, stress, anxiety and penile pain. It can also eventually lead to a worsening of symptoms, including the inability to achieve an erection, shortening of the penis and increased curvature.
What is the success rate of treatment for Peyronie's disease? ›
Penile pain resolved completely in 100% of men, penile plaque improved significantly or resolved completely in 79% of study 1 patients and in 90% of study 2 patients, and penile deformity improved in 62% of study 1 patients and 88% of study 2 patients; penile rigidity improved by more than 80% in both groups.
Will acupuncture heal Peyronie's? ›During acupuncture for Peyronie's disease, between 2 and 8 hair-thin needles are placed in the legs and abdomen. This treatment helps to normalize hormone levels so that the body can more effectively heal itself from Peyronie's disease. Most patients are relaxed throughout the treatment.
Can you buy xiaflex over the counter? ›This medication is only available as an injection given directly into the scar tissue (lesion) and administered by a trained healthcare provider. The dose of Xiaflex (collagenase) depends on the reason why you're getting the medication and your response to treatment.
Does potassium help with Peyronie's disease? ›Aminobenzoate potassium is also used to treat a certain type of inflammation (nonsuppurative inflammation) that occurs in such diseases as dermatomyositis, pemphigus, and Peyronie's disease.
What is the average age for Peyronie's disease? ›Peyronie's disease is an acquired inflammatory condition of the penis associated with penile curvature and, in some cases, pain. It primarily affects men between 45 and 60 years of age, although an age range of 18 to 80 years has been reported.
What are the stages of Peyronie's? ›Peyronie's disease has two stages: acute and chronic.
What is Peyronie's waisting? ›Some men have more than one plaque, which may cause complex curves. Sometimes plaques form that go all the way around the penis. These plaques most often do not cause curving but may cause the shaft of the penis to narrow like the neck of a bottle. This is sometimes called “bottle-necking” or “waisting”.
Can you massage Peyronie's disease? ›Massage. Massage could be a way to treat Peyronie's disease. 1 However, research that supports this as an effective method to treat PD is inconclusive. Massaging the penis incorrectly can also lead to further damage and worsening of Peyronie's disease.
How do you prevent Peyronie's disease from getting worse? ›Can Peyronie's disease be prevented or avoided? Since doctors aren't sure what causes the scar tissue related to Peyronie's Disease, there is no way to prevent it or avoid it. You may be more at risk for the disease if your father or brother has it.
What can I do to make my Pennis stronger? ›- See a doctor. If a person is having trouble getting or maintaining an erection, they should speak with a doctor. ...
- Eat a nutritious diet. ...
- Get regular exercise. ...
- Communicate with sexual partners. ...
- Explore new things. ...
- Limit alcohol intake. ...
- Sleep well. ...
- Reduce stress.
When is it too late to treat Peyronie's disease? ›
You should seek treatment immediately after noticing your Peyronie's disease, but it's never too late for treatment. Although, the farther along the disease, the more drastic the treatment plan.
What is the best pill to stay hard? ›- Sildenafil (Viagra). This medication is most effective when taken on an empty stomach one hour before sex. ...
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn). This medication also is most effective when taken one hour before sex and can be taken with or without food. ...
- Tadalafil (Cialis). ...
- Avanafil (Stendra).
The only FDA -approved medication for Peyronie's disease is collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex).
Does Peyronie's affect testosterone? ›Men with Peyronie's disease may also have problems getting erections, a condition called erectile dysfunction (ED). Because low testosterone is common with both Peyronie's disease and ED, the researchers wanted to learn more about its role.
Does xiaflex come in pill form? ›Drug forms and strengths
Xiaflex comes as a powder inside single-use vials. Your doctor will use the powder to make a liquid solution of Xiaflex that's given by injection. Your doctor will administer the injection in their office or clinic. Each vial of Xiaflex contains 0.9 milligrams (mg) of the drug.
Plaques size varied from 3 to 13 mm in maximum diameter. The penile hemodynamic response to intracavernosum PGE1 injection reported abnormal findings distally to the ISP in 20 patients (<25cm/sec).
How do you dissolve Peyronie's plaque naturally? ›Castor oil: Apply castor oil on the penis, particularly on the scar tissue and the plaque spots. The oil liquefies and softens the hard tissues and works effectively for the sufferers. The remedy takes about 12 weeks for the improvement and to completely straighten the penis.
How much vitamin E should I take for Peyronie's disease? ›More recently, a 2014 study reported treatment outcomes of patients with PD using 50 mg sildenafil daily or 400 IU vitamin E for 3 months. After 12 weeks, both groups showed similar reduction in plaque volume and penile curvature that was statistically significant.
Does stretching really help peyronies? ›Yes, certain types of exercise can help Peyronie's disease. According to Massachusetts General Hospital, gentle stretching of the sheath can correct the curvature by breaking down some of the scar tissue.
What makes Peyronie's worse? ›Men with certain connective tissue disorders and men who have a close family member with Peyronie disease are at greater risk. And certain health conditions such as diabetes or tobacco use may also contribute to its development. If the disease heals in a year or so, the plaque often does not get worse.
How do you stop Peyronies from getting worse? ›
Traction therapy is recommended in the early phase of Peyronie's disease. It's the only treatment shown to improve penile length. Traction therapy may also be used in the chronic phase of the disease, combined with other treatments or after surgery for a better outcome.
How long before Peyronie's gets very bad? ›The curvature and penile shortening associated with Peyronie's disease might gradually worsen. At some point, however, the condition typically stabilizes after three to 12 months or so. Pain during erections usually improves within one to two years, but the scar tissue, penile shortening and curvature often remain.
What vitamin helps with Peyronie's? ›Drug therapy is helpful for most men who are affected by Peyronie's disease, especially during the acute phase. For instance, oral Vitamin E will make the plaques smaller and help to straighten the bent penis.
Does Viagra help Peyronie's disease? ›Medications prescribed for erectile dysfunction (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis) are sometimes beneficial for patients in the early stages of Peyronie's disease.
How can I help my partner with Peyronie's disease? ›Exploring treatment options, having open and honest conversations, and seeing a sex therapist are some of the ways to reduce the effects of Peyronie's disease on intimacy. You may also consider joining a support group to connect with others who have the condition.