Men’s health is always a sensitive topic, but any issues to do with erectile dysfunction can be painful and embarrassing for guys to discuss. Peyronie’s disease is one such medical condition that tends to be shrouded in mystery amongst men, despite the fact that it’s relatively common. This article will shed some light on Peyronie’s disease, including exactly what it is, symptoms to look out for, and the best possible treatment options so you can go back to living your best (and sexiest) life.
What is Peyronie’s disease?
Peyronie’s disease is a condition characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue, or plaque, within the penis. This plaque can cause the penis to bend or curve during an erection, and can also lead to pain, discomfort and difficulty with sexual intercourse. Like most diseases, there is no one single factor that can determine if you will be afflicted or not. Some of the potential causes or higher risk factors for Peyronie’s disease include:
- Engaging in vigorous sexual or nonsexual activities that cause micro-injuries to the penis.
- Certain pre-existing connective tissue and autoimmune disorders.
- A family history of Peyronie’s disease.
- Being in an older age bracket (over 40).
- Already suffering from diabetes and erectile dysfunction
- A history of prostate cancer treatment with surgery.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s disease
The most common symptom of Peyronie’s disease is a curve or bend in the penis that occurs during an erection. Other symptoms may include:
- Pain or discomfort during an erection
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection)
- Shortening of the penis
- Thickening or hardening of the tissue in the penis
- A lump or bump on the penis
Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly, and the severity of the symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
You are not alone
How common is Peyronie’s disease? It’s hard to say definitively as men are notorious for underreporting health issues, but some reliable medical sources have revealed some interesting statistics on PD. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 1 in 100 men in the United States over the age of 18 have been diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease. However, based on studies of men who reported having symptoms of Peyronie’s disease, researchers estimate that the true number of men who suffer from PD is closer to 1 in 10. Furthermore, a population-based study from the National Library of Medicine found that the prevalence of definitive and probable cases of PD in the US is 0.7 percent and 11 percent respectively.
The chance of developing Peyronie’s disease increases with age. It is less common for men in their 20s and 30s to have PD, but it is certainly not impossible. One of the biggest challenges for gathering information on erectile dysfunction is a reluctance for men to talk about it. Just know that you are certainly not alone in this fight — many men all around the world are struggling with similar issues and your quality of life will improve as soon as you seek help.
Treating Peyronie’s disease
There are several treatment options available for Peyronie’s disease, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s symptoms and preferences. Treatment options may include:
Acoustic Wave Therapy: Acoustic Wave Therapy is a non-surgical, non-medication solution for certain causes of erectile dysfunction like Peyronie’s disease. It uses low-intensity, high-frequency shockwaves over the surface of the skin over a series of treatments to help create new blood vessels.
Medications: Medications such as collagenase (an enzyme that breaks down collagen) or potassium para-aminobenzoate (a medication that is believed to reduce scar tissue formation) may be injected directly into the plaque to help reduce its size and improve symptoms.
Surgery: Surgery may be an option for severe cases of Peyronie’s disease, particularly if the plaque is causing significant pain or curvature of the penis that is interfering with sexual function. Surgery may involve removing the plaque, grafting tissue onto the penis to correct curvature, or inserting a penile prosthesis to help maintain an erection.
Penile traction therapy: This involves using a device that applies gentle stretching force to the penis to help reduce curvature and improve symptoms over time.
Vacuum erection devices (VEDs): These devices use a vacuum to draw blood into the penis, which can help to improve erectile function and reduce curvature.
Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing alcohol consumption may help to improve symptoms of Peyronie’s disease and reduce the risk of complications.
It is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment option based on the severity of the condition, the individual’s symptoms and preferences, and other factors such as overall health and medical history. Acoustic Wave Therapy is a fantastic option for treating Peyronie’s disease. At Dallas Premier Health, we provide this world-class treatment facilitated by qualified therapists. Please note that we do not offer surgical options for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease — our method is strictly non-surgical.
FAQ’s about Peyronie’s disease
If you suspect that you may have Peyronie’s disease, it is important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation and diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will likely perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and medical history.
In addition to the physical exam, your healthcare provider may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound or X-ray to evaluate the tissue and structures within your penis.
It is important to note that some degree of curvature or bend in the penis is normal and may not necessarily indicate Peyronie’s disease. However, if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or difficulty with sexual intercourse, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some possible factors that may contribute to the development of Peyronie’s disease include:
Trauma or injury to the penis: Injury or trauma to the penis, such as during sexual activity or other physical activity, may lead to the formation of scar tissue in the penis.
Genetics: Peyronie’s disease may run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to the condition.
Connective tissue disorders: People with certain connective tissue disorders, such as Dupuytren’s contracture, may be at increased risk for developing Peyronie’s disease.
Age: Peyronie’s disease is more common in middle-aged and older men, although it can occur at any age.
Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and having a high body mass index (BMI), may increase the risk of developing Peyronie’s disease.
It’s important to note that while some of these factors may increase the risk of developing Peyronie’s disease, not everyone who has one or more of these risk factors will necessarily develop the condition.
Several types of healthcare providers may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of Peyronie’s disease, depending on the severity of the condition and the recommended treatment options.
Some healthcare providers who may be involved in the care of individuals with Peyronie’s disease include:
Urologists: Urologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including Peyronie’s disease.
Andrologists: Andrologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to male fertility and sexual function, including Peyronie’s disease.
Sexual medicine specialists: Sexual medicine specialists are healthcare providers who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to sexual function and sexual health, including Peyronie’s disease.
Primary care providers: Primary care providers, such as family medicine doctors or internists, may also be involved in the initial evaluation and diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease.
If you suspect that you may have Peyronie’s disease, it is important to see a healthcare professional for an evaluation and diagnosis. Your healthcare provider can refer you to a specialist if necessary and recommend appropriate treatment options based on the severity of your condition and your individual needs and preferences.
In some cases, Peyronie’s disease may resolve on its own without the need for treatment. However, this is not common and many men with Peyronie’s disease require medical intervention to manage their symptoms.
The likelihood of spontaneous healing depends on the severity of the condition, as well as other factors such as the size and location of the plaque. Some studies have shown that up to 20% of men with Peyronie’s disease may experience improvement or resolution of their symptoms without treatment, while others may experience no change or even worsening of their symptoms over time.
At the end of the day, only an experienced doctor can provide evaluation and diagnosis for Peyronie’s disease. Your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate treatment options based on the severity of your condition and your individual needs and preferences.
Some health insurance plans cover the diagnosis and treatment of Peyronie’s disease. However, the specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on your insurance plan and the treatment options recommended by your healthcare provider.
Some insurance plans may require prior authorization or a referral from a primary care provider before covering certain treatments for Peyronie’s disease. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs before undergoing treatment.
If you have concerns about the cost of treatment for Peyronie’s disease, you can also speak with your healthcare provider about alternative treatment options or financial assistance programs that may be available. Some pharmaceutical companies and non-profit organizations offer financial assistance programs for individuals who are unable to afford the cost of their medications or treatments.
The use of vitamin E for Peyronie’s disease relief is controversial, and the optimal dosage is not well-established. Some studies have suggested that taking vitamin E supplements may help to reduce the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease, while others have found no significant benefit.
If you are considering using vitamin E for Peyronie’s disease relief, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider first. They can help you determine if vitamin E is a safe and appropriate treatment option for you, and recommend an appropriate dosage based on your individual needs and medical history.
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams (mg) per day, but some studies have used higher doses for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease. Dosages ranging from 200 IU to 800 IU daily have been used in studies of vitamin E for Peyronie’s disease, but these higher doses may increase the risk of side effects and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Finding the best Peyronie’s disease treatment in Dallas
Facing the concept of diagnosing, treating and managing your Peyronie’s disease may leave you feeling scared or vulnerable. You deserve the best care possible with specialists who are familiar with the best treatment options. At Dallas Premier Health, we are committed to your comfort and safety in all matters of sexual health and dysfunction, including Peyronie’s disease.
Our world-class Acoustic Wave Therapy for ED has been created as an effective, pain-free solution to activate your body’s natural healing ability. This scientifically proven method could be the answer you’ve been looking for on your erectile dysfunction journey. If you want to find out more about your options, you can book in for a free one-hour consultation with an expert from our team. The treatment isn’t hard, but the results can be!
