Peyronie’s Disease
What is Peyronie’s Disease?
Considered as a wound-healing disorder, Peyronie’s Disease occurs when calcification takes place in a part of the penis called the tunica albuginea, resulting in the formation of scar tissue on the penis that creates physical symptoms including a notably curved penis or pain during arousal. Studies suggest that Peyronie’s affects as many as 9% of males according to reported figures, though the secretive nature of this condition means that prevalence could be as high as 22%.
What are the Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s Disease typically presents across a wide range of physical symptoms, most of which are prevalent during arousal, such as –
- Visibly bent penis
- Painful erection
- Flaccid penis or soft erection
- Narrowing or shortening of the penis
- Difficulty during intercourse
The emotional symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease are especially concerning, with over 75% of sufferers reporting high stress levels as a direct result (Cleveland Clinic).
What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s Disease most commonly occurs in males aged between 45-60 years of age meaning that, while exact causes are unclear, there’s certainly an argument that age plays a part. Sexual injury or trauma to the penis, such as ‘buckling’, has also been prevalent in many of the cases that we’ve treated here at Sydney Pelvic Clinic. Other causes for Peyronie’s disease are also thought to include –
- Family history (2%)
- Connective tissue disorder
- Repeated injury
- Autoimmune conditions
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Obesity
- And beyond
What is Involved in Diagnosing Peyronie’s Disease?
A penile Duplex Dopper ultrasound is the recommended method for diagnosing Peyronie’s Disease.
What is the Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease?
As many as 13 out of 100 cases of Peyronie’s Disease don’t require treatment, but for those cases where treatment can help, the aim is to eliminate the pain of this condition and prevent worsening symptoms such as the potential for penile shortening. While existing bends might not be eliminated entirely, treatment can improve the ‘angle of deformity’ to eliminate lasting appearance setbacks, etc. Here at Sydney Pelvic Clinic, our treatments specifically revolve around two primary focuses, which are –
- Therapeutic continuous ultrasound: A non-invasive, effective mode of treatment that aims to break calcifications down to sizes smaller than 0.5mm through a warming effect that improves deformities and erectile function across 3 sessions per week for four weeks.
- Focus Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive treatment for individuals who haven’t experienced success elsewhere which involves the release of soundwaves to a targeted area. This creates a cascade of biochemical changes that can increase blood flow, activate stem cells, and provide an anti-inflammatory effect.
In some rare cases, surgery may be recommended to address extreme areas of curvature, but this should be a last resort after adequate time pursuing these treatments.
Are There Any Home-based Treatment Options?
Efficiency of these non-invasive procedures can especially be enhanced by at-home efforts that should include penile stretching and pelvic floor muscle training alongside others. Additionally, the use of a penile pump can provide release.
2 Tips to Prevent and Manage Peyronie’s Disease
- If you think you may have Peyronie’s Disease, book an initial consult with one of our physiotherapists and speak with your GP to discuss your cardiovascular health as these can be linked.
- Act quickly and don’t let the problem continue. Only 12% of men with Peyronie’s Disease will have a spontaneous improvement within the first 12 months with a ‘watch and wait’ approach (Mulhall et al., 2006).
Get Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease
If Peyronie’s Disease has been putting you down for any period, it’s essential to seek treatment fast so that you can once again be pain-free and in the best penile health possible. Make this your reality by booking an appointment with our experienced physiotherapists today.
