Peyronie’s Disease is a condition that causes a curved erection, and bears some similarities to Dupuytren’s contracture, a hand deformity that develops over years. In both cases, a layer of tissue under the skin forms knots of tissue that eventually creates a thick cord that pulls the penis into a curved shape, or one or more fingers into a bent position. Other symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease include penile pain, diminished size, and lessened sexual performance.
PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis have proven effective for some men in the early stages of Peyronie’s Disease. For men with a progressive or severe case, a plication procedure is usually recommended, and will often provide relief from penile pain. A plication procedure removes abnormal scar tissue and plaque to straighten the penis.
Another surgical treatment for Peyronie’s Disease involves plaque incisions and grafting. Incisions are made into the plaque with skin graft insertions to increase the surface area and to correct the curvature of the penis. In order to remove scar tissue/plaque and replace it with skin grafts, a plaque excision and grafting procedure may also be required in some cases.
Penis surgery is highly effective for treating Peyronie’s Disease and ED, and is still recommended for some patients. Surgery is an invasive option that many should weigh carefully, including the recovery period.
Acoustic wave therapy, or shockwave therapy, is a relatively recent ED treatment that has proven to be especially effective in the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease. Shockwave therapy has also successfully treated patients with other types of physical complications, such as diabetes and neurological issues. In the course of using acoustic wave therapy for Peyronie’s Disease, specialists have discovered Shockwave therapy can be a viable alternative to surgery. and may prove to be the most effective ED treatment for many.
An acoustic wave therapy program for ED includes a program of six sessions over two to three weeks. While some men report improved performance even after the first session, others will begin to see the benefits provided by new blood vessel development and nerve regeneration. Some patients report positive effects for up to two years.
If your ED problems are associated with Peyronie’s Disease, discuss treatment options with experienced erectile dysfunction specialists.