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Peyronie’s disease is when fibrous scar tissue, known as plaque, grows inside the penis. Plaque causes a variety of problems including:
Penile curvature
Difficulty having intercourse
Painful erections
Penis shortening
Penis narrowing
For many men, the physical symptoms of Peyronie’s disease can lead to major anxiety and stress. If you don’t get treatment, Peyronie’s disease could cause painful intercourse as well as prevent conception. Fortunately, the skilled urology specialists at Urology Associates offer effective solutions for Peyronie’s disease, ranging from monitoring to injections or surgery.
Peyronie’s disease is caused by the formation of irregular scar tissue in the erectile bodies of the penis. Nobody really knows why certain men form this scar tissue. Although 20% of men can remember a specific injury sustained during sex, most cannot. For these men, many experts believe that the normal ‘wear and tear’ that the penis typically experiences during healthy sexual activity may be what prompts this scar tissue to form.
While certain medical conditions may predispose men to develop Peyronie’s (like erectile dysfunction, Dupuytren’s contracture, or diabetes), Peyronies can affect any adult man at any point in their life. It is nothing to be ashamed of and safe, effective treatment is available.
Peyronie’s disease is most common after the age of 55. If you have a family history of Peyronie’s disease or a personal history of connective tissue disorders, your risk for the disease is increased.
A Peyronie’s disease diagnosis is normally straightforward given the obvious physical changes that come with the disease.
Our urologists can typically diagnose Peyronie’s disease during a physical exam. It’s rare to need imaging or other tests to diagnose Peyronie’s disease unless your urologist suspects a co-occurring problem.
Many men will often diagnose themselves after noticing a ‘lump’ or ‘bump’ in their penis and a new curve with their erections. Physicians can confirm the diagnosis with a careful physical exam and diagnostic testing.
Treatment varies according to how Peyronie’s disease affects your body and life. The three general approaches are:
Observation: Your urologist may recommend watchful waiting if your penile curvature is mild and you still have normal sexual function. But if you start to have problems, you may need treatment to destroy the plaque or surgery to straighten your penis.
Injections: XiaFlex® is a medication that your urologist injects directly into your penis. When combined with specific stretching and straightening exercises, this medication effectively destroys the plaque in your penis. You need 1-4 XiaFlex treatment cycles, spaced six weeks apart, with each cycle including two injections. For many men with Peyronie’s disease, XiaFlex is a successful treatment.
Surgery: If needed, your Urology Associates urologist can place a penile implant that straightens your penis and allows for normal sexual function. This is an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour.
There’s no reason to live with painful erections, erectile difficulties, and other problems of Peyronie’s disease.
If you think you are suffering from Peyronie’s disease, never hesitate to call us. To receive the highest quality of treatment for Peyronie’s disease, schedule an appointment today.
Peyronie’s disease is caused by a buildup of scar tissue (collagen) that causes the penis to severely curve when becoming erect. XiaFlex® is an injectable medication made from enzymes that target scar tissue buildup. With a series of injections and reshaping therapy performed by your urologist, XiaFlex® can metabolize the scar tissue and reduce curvature. XiaFlex® is one of the most effective treatment options for Peyronie’s disease and does not require surgery or downtime.
XiaFlex® is best for patients who have the following symptoms:
Your urologist can discuss your symptoms and determine whether XiaFlex® is the best treatment option for you. There are many other treatment options available for Peyronie’s disease, and you can determine the right ones during your consultation.
XiaFlex® treatment is performed right at our office. To begin, a numbing cream will be applied to the injection site, which is the Peyronie’s plaque under the skin. Once you’re ready, the medication is injected into the area. This begins the process of breaking down the underlying scar tissue. Then, your urologist will gently stretch and straighten your penis to help remodel the tissue and correct the curvature of your erection. You’ll be given instructions on how to perform this at home as well.
Most patients require a series of treatments with XiaFlex® – usually 1-4 treatment cycles spaced about 6 weeks apart. This is because it takes time for the collagenase in XiaFlex® to break down scar tissue. You’ll continue to perform straightening therapies at home according to your urologist’s instructions – it’s very important to your treatment’s success to continue doing them. There’s no recovery involved with XiaFlex® treatments, but it’s important to abstain from any sexual activity between treatment cycles. XiaFlex® is one of the most effective treatments available for Peyronie’s disease and you can achieve great results with the help of your urologist.
If you have further questions or are experiencing symptoms of a urologic condition, call us or schedule an appointment today.
843-884-8045