Peyronie’s Disease

If you have difficult or painful erections because of penile curvature, it might be Peyronie’s disease. For many men, it can cause anxiety, stress, and dissatisfaction. Fortunately, your board-certified urologist can help you explore your treatment options and find relief.

What is Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease is a condition where fibrous scar tissue develops on the penis and causes difficulty achieving erection or curved, painful erections. Although having a slightly curved erection is normal, Peyronie’s disease causes a significant bend coupled with pain and even shortening of the penis. These factors can make it difficult to do sexual activities – it can also be a cause of erectile dysfunction.

It can have many different causes – it’s most often thought that Peyronie’s disease is caused by injury or damage to the penis. However, it can also develop with no discernable cause. Researchers are still determining what exactly causes Peyronie’s disease, but it’s thought that some risk factors play a role – age, genetics, other connective tissue disorders, smoking, certain types of prostate surgery, and many others might be linked.

What are the Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s can develop gradually, or you may suddenly notice symptoms. These can include:

• Palpable scar tissue (called plaque) under the skin of the penis
• Penile deformities like indentations or narrowing
• Shortening of the penis
• A significant bend
• Problems becoming erect or maintaining an erection
• Pain

What Are My Treatment Options?

Treatment for Peyronie’s disease Los Angeles is most effective when done early. There are a variety of different options available, including oral medications, traction therapy, and surgery (in severe cases). Depending on your needs, you may benefit from a combination approach under the guidance of your urologist.

XIAFLEX® is one of the most promising options for Peyronie’s disease treatment. It’s a prescription medication made with enzymes designed to break down the buildup of scar tissue (collagen). It’s injected into the scar tissue nodule in the penis during an office appointment. Then, you’ll undergo a combination therapy of in-office and at-home stretching and bending to help straighten the area. It works best during the early phases of Peyronie’s disease and usually requires a few treatment cycles.

Do Vacuum Erection Devices Work for Peyronie’s Disease?

Vacuum pumps can be used to treat Peyronie’s disease by stretching the penis and helping to straighten it. The vacuum created by the pump draws blood into the penis, which helps to stretch the tissue and straighten the curvature. This stretching can help reduce the severity of the curvature and improve the appearance of the penis.

Vacuum pumps are generally safe to use, but there are some potential risks. The most common side effect is bruising or pain at the base of the penis. This is usually temporary and should resolve within a few days. It’s also important to use the pump as directed and to not use it for more than 30 minutes at a time.

What are stretching exercises for Peyronie’s Disease?

The most common exercise for Peyronie’s Disease is stretching. Stretching helps to increase the flexibility of the penis, which can help to reduce the curvature and improve the cosmetic appearance. The stretching exercises are down numerous times daily to not only preserve length but also correct the angulation and curvature. These stretching exercises in combination with Xiaflex can help correct the curvature associated with Peyronie’s Disease.

Schedule an Appointment

The best way to learn more about your options for Peyronie’s disease is by meeting with a board-certified urologist. To get started, contact our office to meet with Dr. Houman by calling (310) 854-9898 or filling out our online form.

An expert in his field

Meet Dr. Houman

Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Urologist and Men’s Health specialist whose mission is to enhance men’s quality of life by improving their sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Houman’s focus is on making a difference in people’s lives through state-of-the-art, compassionate, and personally tailored care.

       

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