What is Peyronie’s Disease and How Can It Be Treated?
When scar tissue forms in the penis, specifically around the tunica albuginea or the tissue responsible for maintaining an erection, Peyronie’s Disease may be the culprit. Peyronie’s Disease, also called Induratio Penis Plastica (IPP) or Chronic Inflammation of the Tunica Albuginea (CITA) is a painful disorder that affects an estimated 5 percent of men.
Peyronie’s Disease can cause a host of symptoms including: pain during sexual intercourse, abnormal curvature, loss of girth, indentation, erectile dysfunction, and shortening. While this disease usually causes curvature of the penis, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, the affected penis will maintain regular curvature but the scar tissue will cause indentations or divots.
Although the root cause of Peyronie’s Disease remains unknown, some studies have found that genetics may play a role. Other causes include injuries from sports or sex.
Since Peyronie’s Disease can involve symptoms from erectile dysfunction to depression, there are a variety of treatment options for the condition. Results from these remedies have been mixed and there is still no absolute cure for the condition.
- Medication and Oral Supplements:
- The Priapus Shot, or P-Shot, is an injection using the patient’s own platelet rich plasma to rejuvenate the penis, thereby stimulating new tissue growth and resulting in improved erections.
- Named after a Greek god of fertility, Priapus is an apropos name for this innovative treatment.
- Collagenase clostridium histolyticum is an injectable drug used to treat Peyronie’s disease that is FDA approved. The drug breaks down the excess collagen in the penis.
- Some studies have shown that a combination of Vitamin E and colchicine, a medication primarily used to treat gout, can help delay the progression of the disorder.
- Certain anti-inflammatory agents, including potassium para-aminobenzoate, pentoxifylline and Coenzyme have been shown to help in some larger clinical studies.
- Injections to the scar tissue with verapamil, the generic name of a drug used to mainly treat hypertension and headaches, has been effective in some patients.
- Surgery: The “Nesbit Operation” is a last resort option for men suffering from Peyronie’s Disease.
- Counseling: The physical and psychological issues associated with this disorder can cause some men suffer to suffer from depression.
Without undergoing treatment, about 12 percent of patients will improve with time but more than half will continue to get worse. Therefore, it’s imperative that men who are exhibiting any of the symptoms that may indicate Peyronie’s Disease see their physician immediately.
If you are suffering from Peyronie’s Disease and would like to know more about how the P-Shot can help you, schedule your consultation with Dr. David Ghozland today by calling us at (310) 393-9359.