Peyronie's Disease

Read Dr. Zsolt Zátrok's blog article Peyronie's Disease and Its Treatment. It discusses options and devices that can also be used at home.

Peyronie's Disease affects the male organ

• The "lumps" that form inside the penis cause abnormal curvature, pain, and in severe cases, erectile dysfunction and impotence.
• As the curvature increases, the problem worsens
  • Curvature between 5-20 degrees usually still allows intercourse
  • Curvature between 20-45 degrees makes intercourse difficult or impossible.
  • Curvature over 45 degrees makes intercourse impossible.

• Research suggests that 5-8% of men over 40 may be affected
• However, sufferers often keep their intimate complaints silent.
• Peyronie's disease can have serious psychological effects – patients often suffer from depression.* The disease typically occurs in men over 40 years of age.
• If you suspect you have the disease, please consult a doctor!

Treatment of Peyronie's Disease

The treatment depends on the severity... some treatments must be performed by a doctor, but there are also home treatments. You can apply these under medical guidance following a diagnosis.

• Medications: Oral medications aim to reduce the size of the plaque, penile pain, and curvature. A major drawback is that much of the drug breaks down in the digestive tract, so only a small amount reaches the penis where needed.
• Intralesional injection: medication is injected around the plaque. Yes, the needle is directly inserted into the penis. This should only be done by a skilled doctor under strict sterile conditions.
• Ultrasound therapy: utilizes ultrasonic phonophoresis. The ultrasound treatment "massages" the medication applied to the skin into the plaque. This treatment can be done at a physical therapy clinic, but with proper instruction, can also be performed at home with a therapeutic ultrasound device.
• Iontophoresis: uses a mild and safe electric current. Charged (ionic) active substances move between two poles under the influence of electricity. The big advantage is that the active ingredient is delivered directly and in large amounts to where it's needed – directly into the plaque. And all without needles. Iontophoresis treatment can also be received at a physical therapy clinic or, with proper guidance, performed at home with an iontophoresis device.
• Softlaser: helps transform and thin the connective tissue lump, making it more flexible. Persistent treatment for at least 3 months is needed.
• Surgical intervention: surgery should only be done after maintaining a stable condition for at least 3 months. The plaque is either removed or the connective tissue is shortened on the opposite side. Partial success with residual symptoms like incontinence or impotence is common. Surgery should be considered only as a last resort.