Understanding Peyronie’s Disease: When Should You Seek Treatment?
By Dr. David Samadi
Peyronie’s Disease can feel like a curveball, both literally and emotionally, for many men. This condition, marked by an abnormal curvature of the penis due to scar tissue, can lead to significant physical discomfort and emotional stress. The visible curve may cause embarrassment, pain during sex, or even concerns about whether it could develop into something more serious, like cancer.
The good news? Peyronie’s Disease is benign. It doesn’t lead to cancer, nor is it life-threatening. But knowing when and how to treat it is key to regaining your confidence and sexual health.
The Two Phases of Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s Disease usually progresses in two phases:
- Acute Phase – This is when the scar tissue is still developing, lasting between 3 to 6 months. During this time, you might notice a lump or bump on your penis, accompanied by pain and a noticeable curve. Some men also experience penile shortening, which adds to their frustration. In about 15% of cases, men see some natural improvement. However, for 60%, the condition remains unchanged, while 25% may see it worsen. During the acute phase, treatment typically involves managing symptoms with non-invasive options like penile traction. Surgery or more aggressive treatments are usually held off until the disease stabilizes.
- Chronic Phase – Once the curvature stabilizes (usually after 3- to 6-months), it’s time to talk treatment. But how do you know if you’re ready for that step?
When It’s Time for Treatment
Treatment becomes a real option once the condition has settled down. If the curvature reaches 30 degrees or more and sex becomes painful or difficult—for you or your partner—it’s time to explore your options. Some curvatures, especially those bending downward or sideways, may cause more issues in the bedroom than upward curves, which are typically better tolerated.
There are a range of treatments based on the severity of the curvature:
- Penile Traction: Even after the acute phase, penile traction devices may help in milder cases by stretching the scar tissue and reducing the curvature.
- Collagenase Injections (Xiaflex): Xiaflex injections may offer relief for those seeking non-invasive options. This involves several cycles of injections and stretching exercises to break down the scar tissue and improve the curvature—sometimes by up to 50%.
Surgical Solutions
In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary:
- Penile Plication: For curvatures under 90 degrees, this procedure involves placing permanent stitches to straighten the penis.
- Plaque Incision and Grafting: For more severe curves, surgeons may need to cut into the scar tissue and place a graft to help straighten things out.
Peyronie’s Disease and Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
If you’re dealing with both Peyronie’s and erectile dysfunction that no longer responds to medication like Viagra or Cialis, you may want to consider an inflatable penile prosthesis. This surgical option treats both conditions at once, restoring your ability to achieve an erection while correcting the curvature. The device is entirely internal and discreet, with a small pump in the scrotum allowing you to create an erection on demand.
Moving Forward
Regardless of whether you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction alongside Peyronie’s, there are plenty of options to help you get back to a healthy, fulfilling sex life. The first step is overcoming the stigma or embarrassment and contacting a qualified urologist specializing in men’s health.
Take control of your health, and you’ll be in a much better position to make the right choice.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.