A new curve or change in your penis can be worrying, especially if you also have pain or trouble having sex.
Peyronie’s disease happens when scar tissue, called plaque, forms inside the penis. This can cause it to bend, narrow, shorten or develop an indentation during an erection.
If these changes are affecting you, there are several Peyronie’s disease treatment options. The right one depends on your symptoms and whether the condition is still changing.
How Does Peyronie’s Disease Develop?
Peyronie’s disease usually has two phases.
During the active phase, the plaque is forming and the shape of the penis may still be changing. The curve may get worse, and erections may hurt. This phase can last for several months and sometimes longer.
The stable phase begins once the condition stops changing. The curve, indentation or shortening stays about the same, and pain may improve.
What Are the Symptoms?
Peyronie’s disease symptoms may include:
- A bend or curve during an erection
- A firm plaque or area under the skin
- Narrowing or an hourglass shape
- Loss of penile length
- Pain with erections
- Erectile dysfunction
- Difficulty having sex
A urologist can often diagnose Peyronie’s disease based on your symptoms and an exam. An ultrasound may also be used to look at the plaque and check blood flow.
What Are the Peyronie’s Disease Treatment Options?
Treatment depends on whether the condition is still changing, how much it affects sexual activity, and whether you also have erectile dysfunction.
If the curve is mild, stable, and doesn’t interfere with sex, monitoring it may be enough.
Pain Relief
Pain is more common while Peyronie’s disease is active. Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may ease discomfort.
Pain often improves once the condition becomes stable, but the curve itself usually doesn’t go away when the pain stops.
Penile Traction Therapy
Penile traction therapy uses a device that gently stretches the penis. It may help reduce curvature and maintain or improve penile length.
Treatment usually continues for several months and may be combined with injections.
Xiaflex Injections
Medication can be injected directly into the plaque.
Xiaflex is an FDA-approved treatment for certain men with Peyronie’s disease. It breaks down collagen in the plaque and is given along with penile stretching and modeling.
Bruising and swelling are common. A rare but serious complication is penile fracture.
Vacuum Devices
A vacuum erection device may be used to gently stretch the penis and may help reduce deformity. It can also help men who have erectile dysfunction. Your urologist may recommend it as one part of a larger treatment plan.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy may reduce pain during the active phase. But it has not been shown to reliably improve the curve or reduce the size of the plaque.
When Is Surgery Considered?
Surgery may be considered when Peyronie’s disease has become stable, and the curve or other changes make sex difficult.
Options include:
- Plication: Sutures are used to straighten the penis. It is often used when erectile function is good, although some shortening may occur.
- Incision and grafting: The surgeon makes an incision in the scarred area and places a graft over the opening. It may be considered for severe curvature, an hourglass shape, or significant shortening. It carries a higher risk of erectile dysfunction than plication.
- Penile implant: An implant may be used when Peyronie’s disease occurs with erectile dysfunction that hasn’t improved with other treatments. The penis can also be straightened during the procedure if needed.
When Should You See a Urologist?
Consider seeing a urologist if you notice:
- A new or worsening curve
- Penile pain
- A firm plaque
- Loss of length
- Difficulty having sex
- Problems getting or keeping an erection
You don’t have to wait until the condition becomes severe. Your treatment options depend in part on whether Peyronie’s disease is still changing or has become stable.
Explore Peyronie’s Disease Treatment Options in Eugene and Springfield
The right treatment depends on your symptoms, the stage of Peyronie’s disease, and how much it affects you.
If you’re looking for Peyronie’s disease treatment options in Eugene or Springfield, Oregon Urology Institute can help you understand your choices. Call 541.334.3350 to schedule an appointment.