Peyronie’s Disease Treatment in Pittsburgh, PA and Weirton, WV
Peyronie’s disease occurs when scar tissue forms under the skin of the penis, often due to trauma or minor injury. This condition can cause the penis to bend or become indented during an erection, leading to pain and potential complications with sexual activity.
Symptoms and Causes of Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease presents with noticeable symptoms, often visible to the naked eye. In over 70% of cases, scar tissue forms on the top of the penis, causing it to bend upward during an erection. If scar tissue develops on the side or bottom, the penis may curve sideways or downward. In rare cases, scar tissue can form all around the penis, leading to narrowing and rigidity of the shaft.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain during sex or erections
- Hard lumps or areas of scar tissue in the penis
- Curvature or significant bending of the penis
- Shortening or narrowing of the penis
Peyronie’s disease is most often caused by injury from activities like athletic sports, vigorous sexual activity, or other accidents. However, it may sometimes be linked to autoimmune issues that cause the body to attack cells within the penis, resulting in inflammation and scarring.
The risk of developing Peyronie’s disease increases with age due to changes in the penis’s elasticity. Men over 50 are more frequently affected, and those with an active sexual lifestyle or a family history of the condition also have a higher likelihood of developing it.
Diagnosis of Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease can often be diagnosed through a physical exam, with or without an erection. If scar tissue is detected, an injectable drug may be used to induce an erection and assess the curvature or narrowing. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds or X-rays may also be recommended to pinpoint the exact location of the scar tissue, facilitating the development of a tailored treatment plan.
How is Peyronie’s Disease Treated?
The primary treatment goal for Peyronie’s disease is to reduce pain and improve sexual function. If you experience minimal pain and slight curvature, treatment may not be necessary until symptoms worsen. In some cases, Peyronie’s disease may resolve on its own without intervention.
To reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction, lifestyle changes may be suggested, such as reducing vigorous sexual activity, avoiding high-impact sports, and abstaining from smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Depending on the severity, Peyronie’s disease can be managed through medications and therapies. A urologist may prescribe medications to address inflammation and scar tissue development, which may include:
- Steroid injections
- Vitamin E supplements
- Colchicine
- Carnitine
- Collagenase injections
These treatments should be discussed with your doctor, as they depend on individual health factors.
Surgical Treatments
For severe cases involving significant curvature or pain, surgical intervention may be recommended. Surgical options vary based on severity but can include:
- Lengthening the side of the penis with scar tissue
- Implanting a prosthetic device in the penis
- Shortening the unaffected side of the penis
Schedule a Peyronie’s Disease Consultation in Pittsburgh, PA and Weirton, WV
If you are experiencing symptoms of Peyronie’s disease, contact your local urologist to discuss potential treatment options and develop a plan that works for you.