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Peyronie's Disease

illustration of two penises with peyronie's disease

Peyronie's Disease services offered in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, CA

Peyronie’s disease is more common than you may realize, affecting about 10% of adult men. Being common, however, doesn’t offer much comfort when you have bent or painful erections and a condition that affects your sex life. When this happens, many patients experience a significant dip in overall quality of life. Fortunately, multiple treatment options for Peyronie’s Disease are available with high rates of success. With the right specialist, you can find an optimal curved erection treatment tailored to your needs. Kiarash Michel, MD, and his expert team at Comprehensive Urology are situated in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles. They understand the problem a curved erection can present and why most men don’t like to talk about it. They offer a variety of therapies that effectively eliminate the problem and restore your sex life. All provided in a discrete and professional atmosphere focused on your comfort. To learn more about your treatment options, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Table of Contents

Peyronie's Disease Q&A

What is Peyronie’s disease?

Peyronie’s disease occurs when scar tissue or plaque develops under the skin of your penis. The scar causes a curve in your penis that’s most noticeable when you have an erection. For some patients, it might never pose a problem. However, for others, it can not only become noticeable but painful.

During an erection, the scar tissue prevents that area of your penis from enlarging as it should. As a result, your erection bends around the scar tissue, which creates the curve. In some cases, scar tissue goes around your penis, causing an hourglass shape when you have an erection. To get the best outcomes, it is best to be diagnosed and treated early in the disease process.

What causes Peyronie’s disease?

Inflammation is generally responsible for the scarring in your penis. The inflammation most often develops due to damage that occurs during vigorous sex or sports. However, the inflammation can also result from an underlying health condition. If there is an underlying condition, it will be important to treat this along with the scarring. Otherwise, you may be at risk for the scarring to appear again after your treatment.

What symptoms could develop?

In addition to the visible curve, most men experience pain, especially when they have an erection and during intercourse. For some, this might be a slight discomfort. However, it can also be painful to the point where sex itself becomes unfeasible. You may also develop hard lumps due to the scar tissue. For many men, Peyronie’s disease causes erectile dysfunction. With the right treatment, you can restore both the functional and cosmetic aspects of your penis.

What are the two stages?

Peyronie’s disease goes through two stages. The early or acute stage can last from 6-18 months. During this time, scar tissue continues to develop, the curvature gets worse, and you probably feel pain during an erection. Receiving treatment during this stage is ideal and often produces the best outcomes.

During the chronic phase, the scar stops growing, and the penis won’t bend more than it already does. Your pain should diminish by the time you reach this stage. You can still receive treatment during the second phase though and see significant improvements.

How do urologists treat Peyronie’s disease?

If your scarring and penile curvature are minimal, and it doesn’t stop you from having sex, you may not need treatment. However, if your situation causes psychological or physical stress, it might be time to seek treatment.

When you do need medical care, the Comprehensive Urology team offers a range of treatments. We work with you to find the best solution to your unique situation. Typical treatments for Peyronie’s Disease include:

Intralesional injections

Intralesional injections can help reduce penile curvature in Peyronie’s Disease by injecting medication directly into the plaque or scar tissue. Various medications can be administered, including collagenase, verapamil, and hyaluronic acid.

The injections are generally conducted under local anesthesia, and multiple injections may be administered over a period of time for maximum effectiveness.

Shockwave Therapy for Peyronie’s Disease

Shockwave Therapy is a noninvasive treatment option for Peyronie’s Disease that can help break up plaque and improve blood flow. This therapy has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in treating the condition, reducing penile pain, improving penile curvature, and decreasing plaque size.

PRP Injections for Peyronie’s Disease

PRP Injections can help stimulate healing and reduce penile curvature in Peyronie’s Disease by injecting platelet-rich plasma into the affected area. Platelet-rich plasma, derived from the patient’s own blood, contains growth factors that stimulate the healing process and may assist in correcting penile shape.

It is considered safe and feasible, although further research is necessary to determine its efficacy.

Pulsed PRP – Shockwave Therapy and PRP Injections Combined

Pulsed PRP combines Shockwave Therapy (Pulsewave Therapy) and PRP Injections for a comprehensive treatment approach to Peyronie’s Disease. This treatment has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in improving penile curvature and overall sexual satisfaction for individuals with Peyronie’s Disease.

Surgical treatments for Peyronie’s disease

Surgical treatments for Peyronie’s Disease include:

  • Grafting: involves the replacement of the affected area of the penis with a graft material

  • Plication: entails the utilization of sutures to reduce the curvature of the penis

  • Device implantation: involves the insertion of a penile prosthesis to straighten the penis

Each treatment option has its own risk factors, as well as benefits.

Device implantation requires the insertion of a device to straighten the penis. The specific type of surgery is based on the individual case and is determined by a urologist.

Medications: Cialis and Viagra

Medications like Cialis and Viagra can help increase blood flow and potentially reduce plaque formation in Peyronie’s Disease. In a 6-month study, men taking 2.5mg of Tadalafil (Cialis) daily experienced a reduction in penile curvature.

It’s possible to take Cialis or Viagra along with receiving Shockwave Therapy treatments to break up the plaque, maximize blood flow, and stimulate the growth of blood vessels.

Clinical Trials for Peyronie’s disease

Clinical trials for Peyronie’s Disease aim to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat the condition. Ongoing clinical trials, such as studies on penile traction therapy, PRP injections, and shockwave therapy for peyronie’s disease are currently recruiting participants for trials. Make an appointment with Dr. Kia Michel at Comprehensive Urology to discuss Peyronie’s Disease studies including Pulsed PRP. 

We offer other male cosmetic procedures, such as:

FAQ's

This section addresses common queries about Peyronie’s Disease, its symptoms, causes, and treatments, providing a quick reference based on the information in this blog post.

  1. Question: What causes Peyronie’s Disease? Answer: Although the exact cause remains unknown, it is believed that injury, autoimmune disease, or genetic factors may contribute to the development of Peyronie’s Disease.

  2. Question: Can Peyronie’s Disease cause erectile dysfunction? Answer: Yes, Peyronie’s Disease can cause erectile dysfunction due to the penile curvature and plaque formation.

  3. Question: What are the treatment options for Peyronie’s Disease? Answer: Treatment options include nonsurgical treatments like injections, oral medicines, and medical therapies, as well as surgical options such as grafting, plication, and device implantation.

  4. Question: How common is Peyronie’s Disease? Answer: Peyronie’s Disease is estimated to affect more than 1 in 10 men over 18 in the US.

  5. Question: Can Peyronie’s Disease cause urinary problems? Answer: In certain instances, Peyronie’s Disease can lead to urinary problems as a result of penile curvature and plaque formation.

Does Peyronie’s disease make your penis smaller?

 

Peyronie’s Disease can cause a decrease in penis size due to the curvature and plaque formation. The average size decrease in penis length associated with Peyronie’s Disease can vary and may be unpredictable, as it is generally proportional to the degree of penile curvature.

Peyronie’s Disease can be treated through various methods such as medications, injections, and surgery

What clinical studies for Peyronie’s disease are looking for participants?

 

Clinical studies for Peyronie’s Disease are recruiting participants to explore new ways to prevent, detect, or treat the condition. Ongoing clinical trials include studies on penile traction therapy, therapeutic role of nanofat grafting, and a research study at the University of Miami.

Further details on clinical trials for Peyronie’s Disease can be found at ClinicalTrials.gov.

What tests will be done to diagnose Peyronie’s disease?

 

Typically, diagnosing Peyronie’s Disease encompasses a review of medical history, physical examination, and in some cases, imaging tests or injections to trigger an erection. Physical examination in the flaccid state may reveal an indurated area or a penile plaque, even if the patient is unaware of it.

In some cases, prostate cancer screening may also be recommended to rule out other potential health issues.

How do health care professionals treat Peyronie’s disease?

 

Depending on the severity of the condition, healthcare professionals may utilize a mix of nonsurgical and surgical options to treat Peyronie’s Disease. Nonsurgical treatments include injections, oral medicines, and medical therapies like penile traction therapy, while surgical options involve grafting, plication, and device implantation.

The selected treatment is influenced by the condition’s severity and the specific needs of the patient.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

 

Recovery time after treatment for Peyronie’s Disease varies depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment received. The average recovery time following surgery for Peyronie’s Disease can vary, but most patients are able to resume their regular activities within 2-3 days post-procedure, with the full healing process taking several months.

The recovery time for nonsurgical treatments, such as intralesional injections and shockwave therapy, may be shorter, with improvements in symptoms observed within a few days or weeks.

How do they fix Peyronie’s disease?

 

Peyronie’s Disease can be treated through various nonsurgical methods like injections, oral medicines, and medical therapies, alongside surgical procedures like grafting, plication, and device implantation. The selected treatment is influenced by the condition’s severity and the specific needs of the patient.

Setting realistic expectations for Peyronie’s Disease treatment is crucial. The curvature and pain may be minor and might not necessitate medical or surgical intervention, particularly if sexual activity remains feasible.

How do I take care of myself if I have Peyronie’s disease?

 

Self-care tips for those with Peyronie’s Disease include maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, seeking support from loved ones, and following prescribed treatment plans.

It is also helpful to focus on mental and emotional wellness by seeking support from a mental health professional, joining a support group, or talking with a sex therapist. Stay informed about your condition and take an active role in your treatment, as knowledge and self-care can be empowering tools in your journey to better health.

Can Peyronie’s disease cause cancer?

 

There is no evidence to suggest that Peyronie’s Disease causes cancer. Although studies have indicated a potential correlation between Peyronie’s Disease and certain types of cancer, such as stomach cancer and testicular cancer, further research is needed to fully comprehend the relationship between Peyronie’s Disease and cancer.

Can Peyronie’s disease cause urinary problems?

 

In some cases, Peyronie’s Disease can cause urinary problems due to the penile curvature and plaque formation. The severity of the curvature and the presence of penile plaque can affect urinary function, potentially leading to urinary tract infections, urinary retention, and incomplete emptying of the bladder.

Summary

In conclusion, Peyronie’s Disease is a complex condition that affects a significant number of men worldwide. The development of the disease can be attributed to various factors, including injury, autoimmune disorders, and genetic predisposition. Treatment options for Peyronie’s Disease range from nonsurgical treatments such as injections, oral medicines, and medical therapies to surgical options like grafting, plication, and device implantation. By staying informed and taking an active role in self-care and treatment, those affected by Peyronie’s Disease can overcome the challenges and improve their overall quality of life.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of Peyronie’s disease?

The main cause of Peyronie’s disease is thought to be injury to the penis, usually due to vigorous sexual activity, athletics, or accidents. In some cases, the underlying cause may remain unknown.

Does Peyronie’s ever go away?

Peyronie’s disease rarely goes away on its own and early treatment is important. There is no cure but medication, surgery, and traction devices may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation, curvature, and stress associated with the condition. In some cases, no treatment may be needed as Peyronie’s can heal on its own within 6-15 months.

Can Peyronie’s disease be reversed?

Although there is no cure for Peyronie’s disease, early treatment soon after developing the condition may keep it from getting worse or even improve symptoms. Some medicines and surgery may also be tried to help manage the condition, although it will not fully reverse it.

What happens if Peyronie’s is left untreated?

Left untreated, Peyronie’s disease can lead to worsening symptoms such as difficulty achieving an erection, penile shortening, and increased curvature. Prompt treatment is necessary to reduce symptoms of this condition.

Can you see Peyronie’s plaque?

Yes, Peyronie’s plaques can often be felt through the skin and can cause the penis to bend or become indented during erections.

How much does Shockwave Therapy for Peyronie’s Disease Cost?

 

Shockwave therapy for Peyronie’s Disease typically cost $500-$600 per treatment, with the number of treatments depending on the severity of the penile curvature. In general, a mild to moderate curvature of the penis will need an initial treatment regime of of 6 sessions, particularly if Peyronie’s disease is also causing Erectile Dysfunction. 

 

Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles currently offers a pulse wave therapy for Peyronie’s Disease package of 6 treatments that includes medications, nitric oxide, boosting agents and a vacuum erectile device for $3000.

 

Does Shockwave Therapy really work for Peyronie’s Disease?

 

Shockwave Therapy has been found to be effective in treating penile curvature in the acute phase of Peyronie’s Disease as well as for addressing penile pain. It has been found to be less effective after the plaque has fully formed, so treating bent penis sooner raises the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for Peyronie’s Disease. 

 

What is the most effective treatment for Peyronie’s Disease?

 

Peyronie’s Disease is best treated with shockwave therapy in combination with medications such as Cialis and the use of traction devices. However, shockwave therapy alone has been shown to be highly effective in the acute phase of the penile trauma and moderately effective after the plaque has fully formed.  

To schedule your appointment, call the office or book an appointment online today! 

Learn more about Peyronie’s Disease treatments near me today.

Kia Michel, MD

Kia Michel, MD

Written by Dr. Kia Michel, a board certified urologist, surgeon, and founding member of Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Dr. Michel's expertise includes focal therapy (HIFU/TULSA), prostate cancer treatment, robotic surgery, and male enhancement treatments such as Shockwave Therapy for ED and penile injections.

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