Learn
& understand the basics…
What causes Peyronie's
disease?
Most
experts are of the consensus that Peyronie's disease usually develops following
a trauma or injury that causes bleeding inside the penis. However, while this trauma may explain acute
cases of Peyronie's disease, it does not explain why most cases develop slowly
and progressively (chronic cases), or what causes the disease after no apparent
traumatic event or accident.
What happens in Peyronie's disease?
Peyronie's
disease is characterized by a plaque, or hard lump, that forms on the erection
tissue of the penis. Fortunately, this plaque is benign (or non-cancerous) and
often begins as an inflammation that may develop into a fibrous tissue. In most
of the cases, when the disease heals within a year or so, the plaque does not
progress beyond an initial inflammatory phase. However, when the disease lasts
for years, the plaque often becomes a tough, fibrous tissue, and calcium
deposits may form.
What are the signs & symptoms of Peyronie's disease?
While
each individual may experience symptoms of Peyronie's disease differently, the
most common symptoms of Peyronie's disease may include:
- Plaque: Which (if present on the top of
the shaft) causes the penis to bend upward. Similarly, this plaque (if
present on the underside of the penis) causes the penis to bend
downward.
- Shortening
of penis: In
cases where the plaque develops on both top and bottom, indentation and
shortening of the penis may occur
- Pain, bending, and emotional
distress can prohibit sexual intercourse
- Painful erections may occur.
It
should also be noted that the symptoms of Peyronie's disease may resemble other
conditions or medical problems. Therefore, it is recommended to always consult
your physician for a diagnosis.
How is Peyronie's disease diagnosed?
A
diagnosis of Peyronie's disease is usually made with the help of a complete
medical history and physical examination. For example, men visiting the doctor
often seek medical attention for erections and difficulty with intercourse.
This diagnosis is further confirmed by:
1- Ultrasound
examination of the penis:
A diagnostic technique which uses high frequency sound waves to create an image
of the internal organs.
2- Color
Doppler examination:
A type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through
a blood vessel; waveforms of the blood flow are shown on the ultrasound screen
(to evaluate erectile function, anatomy, and blood flow).
How is Peyronie's disease treated?
In
general, the goal of treatment is to keep the patient with Peyronie's disease sexually
active. Providing education about the disease and its course is often included
in the treatment plan. In some cases, treatment is not necessary, as Peyronie's
disease often occurs in a mild form that heals without treatment in 6 to 15
months. Treatment may include:
Surgery: Surgery is often the last resort and
is associated with high risk of complications, costs and side effects.
Vitamin E: Some clinical trials have reported
improvements with oral vitamin E prescribed by a physician.
Drugs: In some cases, injections of various
chemical agents into the plaques have been utilized in a small number of
patients. However this mode of treatment does bear a strong potential for
unwanted side effects.
Radiation therapy: With this treatment approach,
radiation is aimed at the plaque to reduce pain, but does not affect the plaque
itself; unwanted side effects or worsening of the disease may occur.
Use
of extenders: For those who
believe in the potency and effectiveness of alternative or natural treatment
options, traction-based penis extenders (such as those of SizeGenetics) offer
an attractive, safe and economical option with multiple benefits.
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