Peyronie's Disease Treatment in Clear Lake, TX
When scar tissue develops under the skin of the penis due to trauma or minor injury, Peyronie’s disease may occur. As the scar tissue forms the penis may become bent or indented during an erection, which can cause increased pain or the inability to have intercourse.
What Are the Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s disease often has effects that are noticeable to the naked eye. In over 70% of cases, the scar tissue will develop on the top of the penis causing it to bend upwards during an erection.
If the scar tissue develops on the bottom or side of the penis, it will bend downward or sideways during an erection. In rare cases, the scar tissue may develop all around the penis, causing the shaft to narrow and become very hard.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing Peyronie’s disease:
- Pain during sex, or pain during an erection.
- Hard spots or lumps in the penis.
- Bends or curves in the penis.
- Narrowing or shortening of the penis.
What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?
Most often, Peyronie’s disease is caused by injury to the penis due to athletic activity, aggressive sex, or an accident of some sort. It can also be caused by small micro traumas over time. However, there have been cases in which the disease is part of a larger autoimmune issue. If a disease attacks cells within the penis, it can lead to inflammation and scarring. We are sometimes unable to pinpoint the exact cause of Peyronie’s disease.
The chances of getting Peyronie’s disease increase with age due to changes in the elasticity of the penis. Men over the age of 50 are more commonly affected. In addition, increased risk for Peyronie’s disease occurs in men with a more active sexual lifestyle that could cause penile injury, and/or for men with a family history of Peyronie’s disease
How Is Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosed?
With or without an erection, acording to Very Well Health Peyronie’s disease can most often be diagnosed in a physical exam. If scar tissue is felt, you may be given an injectable drug to create an erection and check how your penis curves or narrows.
In addition, an ultrasound may be ordered to get an accurate location and characterization of the scar tissue. This will allow for a proper treatment plan to be designed.
How Is Peyronie’s Disease Treated?
The overall goal of treatment is to reduce pain and strengthen the ability to have intercourse. If you are not experiencing pain, and have very few issues with penile curvature, you may not need treatment unless symptoms progress. In some cases, the disease will resolve itself without any treatment..
Because there is a risk of erectile dysfunction associated with Peyronie’s disease, a lifestyle change may be recommended. This can include exercising and quitting any smoking, illegal drugs, or alcohol consumption.
Nonsurgical Peyronie's Disease Treatments
With medications and therapies, Peyronie’s disease can usually be managed effectively. Dr. Green may prescribe a series of medications that may help reduce inflammation or scar tissue. These treatments can include:
- Steroid injections.
- Vitamin E.
- Colchicine.
- Carnitine.
- Collagenase Injections (Xiaflex).
These treatments must be discussed with Dr. Travis Green prior, as they will be highly dependent on other health factors.
Surgical Peyronie's Disease Treatments
If you are experiencing severe issues with penile curvature or pain, surgery may be recommended. The types of surgery will depend on the severity, but may include grafting or device implantation. Dr. Travis Green is an expert in Peyronie’s disease management and has completed advanced training in sexual medicine. Most commonly, the surgeries may include the following:
- Using a graft to lengthen the area of the penis that curves.
- Placing a prosthetic device inside the penis.
- Performing a plication to shorten the opposite side of the penis from the scar tissue.
Schedule a Peyronie's Disease Consultation
If you are experiencing issues with Peyronie’s disease, contact Dr. Travis Green today to determine which treatment option is right for you. To contact Dr. Green, please call our office today at 281-957-9658. Dr. Green sees patients from throughout the Houston area including League City, Alvin, Galveston, Webster, Clear Lake, Friendswood, Pasadena, and Baytown.
