Peyronie’s disease is a painful condition that affects the penis and can interfere with sexual activity. It can also affect a man’s self-esteem, relationship with his partner, or ability to father a child. It is recommended to see a urologist specializing in men’s health for a diagnosis and effective treatment options. Treatment for this condition should begin as early as possible in order to maximize the quality of life for the patient.
Symptoms
Peyronie’s disease is a painful condition affecting the penis. A physical examination is usually enough to diagnose the condition. However, the doctor may order an ultrasound to determine if there is scar tissue present. Surgical intervention is usually not necessary until symptoms have stabilized for three months.
Injection therapy is an option to treat the condition. It has proven successful in many men. The medication is injected directly into the tunica albuginea, and patients are given a numbing agent before the procedure. This treatment is marketed in the United States under the brand name Xiaflex. It works by using an enzyme called collagenase to break down the plaques.
Men with Peyronie’s disease often complain of pain during erections. These erections are often curved and painful. The condition can affect a man’s sexual life and lead to anxiety and stress. It can also result in penile shortening.
Peyronie’s disease is caused by abnormal scar tissue in the penis. It is most noticeable during erection and can interfere with penetration during intercourse. Usually, it occurs in men over 50 and is caused by an injury or trauma to the penis. It is not caused by cancer and does not increase the risk of getting any sexually transmitted infections.
Diagnosis
Peyronie’s disease is a painful disease that affects the penis. Typically, it affects the top part of the penis, but it can also affect the underside. Depending on the severity of the disease, it can result in the shortening of the penis or severe pain. Fortunately, the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease are treatable and there are several treatment options available.
Although the condition can be hard to diagnose, a doctor can perform an accurate diagnosis. A thorough physical examination and medical history can determine whether you have the disease. A biopsy may also be performed to rule out other possible causes. A biopsy will remove a sample of plaque cells to examine under a microscope.
Peyronie’s disease is a relatively common urological condition. However, it is still poorly understood by the general public and medical community. Early diagnosis can help reduce the severity of the condition and improve quality of life. In addition, identifying the disease early can reduce the physical and psychological impact it has on a patient. For these reasons, it is important to understand the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease and its possible treatment.
If you suspect that you may have Peyronie’s disease, it is important to schedule an appointment with a physician specializing in this condition. A doctor will perform tests that can identify the condition early. The MRI is a useful tool, but is expensive.
Surgery can be an option in severe cases of Peyronie’s disease. Injections of a medication known as verapamil can be used to treat the condition, though most physicians recommend surgery only when it no longer alters the penis’ curvature.
Diagnosis of Peyronie disease typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The doctor will check for symptoms related to the disease, such as pain during erection. An ultrasound can also detect hardened plaque inside the penis. Occasionally, patients may also need to present photographs of their erect penis to help the doctor make a diagnosis.
In severe cases, surgery is recommended to relieve symptoms and prevent further damage. Surgical procedures may include plaque removal and placement of a graft. Another procedure involves removing internal tissue from the penis and replacing it with a prosthetic device. This surgery is an effective way to restore the penis to a straight position.
Treatments
Treatments for Peyronie’s Disease vary depending on the stage of the disease and the severity of the symptoms. Most of these treatments involve nonsurgical interventions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain during the acute phase, and shockwave therapy is an option if the condition has progressed to the point where surgery is not feasible.
In cases of severe penile curvature, surgical procedures are often required. However, these procedures do not improve potency, and they do not remove penile lumps. Therefore, the best time for surgery is after the disease has been stable for at least three months and the bend has not worsened. Peyronie’s disease surgery can involve the use of stitches, grafts, or prostheses. Nonsurgical treatments can include oral medications, injected drugs, and therapies to correct the curvature.
While the disease remains incurable, the cost of treatment has steadily increased over the past few years. Currently, the most common therapies are oral medications and injections of collagenase. However, this type of treatment is only suitable for some patients. Therefore, most treatments for Peyronie’s disease still remain experimental.
Peyronie’s disease can cause significant stress and anxiety to the sufferer and their partner. They may feel anxious about having sex and worry about the appearance of their penis. Fortunately, there are several treatments available for Peyronie’s disease that can help improve sexual function and relieve the stress associated with the disease.
Injections of Xiaflex may cause severe back pain and “bruises” on the penis, though these are temporary and go away in a few weeks. Another option is shockwave therapy, which uses a tiny device to apply electromagnetic pulses to the affected area of the penis. These pulses help reduce the plaque and restore the curvature.
A variety of surgical procedures may be necessary for some patients to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the disease. Surgical procedures can be performed to remove scar tissue and shorten the unaffected side of the penis.
Prevention
Treatment for Peyronie’s disease depends on the severity of the disease. In the active stage of the condition, conservative therapy is usually recommended, while more aggressive treatments are reserved for the chronic stage. The disease does not always lead to surgical interventions, and most males who develop it can remain sexually active. The goal of treatment is to minimize pain and restore sexual function. Surgical options include a variety of treatments, including penile traction and vacuum devices.
Smoking can aggravate the disease by narrowing blood vessels, which can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and high blood pressure. Healthy blood vessels are necessary for erections, so smoking should be avoided. Additionally, high blood pressure can lead to vascular disease, which can lead to the formation of fibrous plaques in the penis.
People with close relatives who have the disease are at higher risk of developing the disease. Peyronie’s disease may also be caused by other conditions, including auto-immune system disorders. Some risk factors include alcoholism, epilepsy, pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes, and liver disease. Although there is no specific cure for Peyronie’s disease, patients can try stretching and hot water baths to help slow the progression of the contracture. If the disease is severe, surgery may be required to release the contracture.
Prevention of Peyronie’s disease is best done by seeking treatment as soon as the symptoms begin. Medical procedures such as interferon injections can break down fibrous tissue and reduce their production. Another treatment option is a moldable silicone rod that helps straighten out the penis. Surgical treatment is also available for men with severe cases.
A variety of medicines are available to treat Peyronie’s disease. One of them is pentoxifylline, which has been approved for various human conditions. It is also used for a wide range of peripheral vascular disease. It is still not fully understood how it works, but it is thought to block a TGF-1-mediated pathway and inhibit collagen type-1 deposition.
