Peyronie’s Disease treatment in Milford, MA
What is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s Disease is a sexual disorder in which scare tissue (plaque) forms on the covering of the erectile body (muscle) of the penis.
As it develops, the plaque pulls on the surrounding tissues and causes the penis to curve or bend, particularly during an erection. Because of the plaque, blood does not completely fill the erectile tissue. Erections may be partially soft, painful and curved – making sexual intercourse difficult or even impossible.
Although it is less common for men in their 20s and 30s to have Peyronie’s Disease, approximately 10% of men in the United States over the age of 18 have been diagnosed with Peyronie’s Disease. Yet, based on studies of men who reported having symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease, it is estimated that the actual number of men who have Peyronie’s Disease is far greater than 1 in 10.
What are the Risk Factors for having Peyronie’s Disease?
You may be at higher risk of developing Peyronie’s disease if you:
- Engage in vigorous sexual or nonsexual activities that cause micro-injuries to the penis
- Have autoimmune or connective tissue disorders
- Have a family history of Peyronie’s Disease.
- Are over 40 years old
- Have Diabetes
- Have Erectile Dysfunction
- Have had surgery for Prostate Cancer
How is Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Peyronie’s Disease typically begins with a detailed review of a patient’s medical history. Performing a physical exam is important to determine the size, location and characteristics of the plaque. Often, it is helpful for the patient to bring photos of the penis in the erect state to the appointment to better evaluate the degree of penile curvature. Additional testing to determine the blood flow to the penis may be indicated.
Additionally, we will review other symptoms and bloodwork to determine whether other sexual conditions such as Low Testosterone or Erectile Dysfunction are contributory factors to the patient’s problem.
How is Peyronie’s Disease Treated?
Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease typically includes oral therapies and injection therapies. For some men, surgical treatment is an option.
Oral Therapy
Medications prescribed for erectile dysfunction (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis) are sometimes beneficial for patients in the early stages of Peyronie’s disease.
Topical Therapy
Dr. Steinberg may prescribe a specially compounded Transdermal Verapamil Gel as an effective and non-invasive treatment for Peyronie’s Disease. Pain typically resolves within 90 days of starting treatment and there is usually softening and remodeling of the plaque. Patients should expect to apply the medication for 9 to 12 months to complete their treatment course.
Injection Therapy
Peyronie’s Disease is often treated by injecting drugs directly into the plaque. This approach is not a cure but can lessen the deformity and pain, especially in the early phase of the disease. Men’s sexual health expert, Dr. Steinberg, has the most experience in Central Massachusetts performing Xiaflex injections for Peyronie’s Disease.
Xiaflex
The only FDA-approved medication which is precisely injected directly into the plaque to reduce bending of the penis and improve sexual function. Xiaflex treatment requires a series of two 15-minute office visits within a week and may be repeated for up to four cycles. Patients are instructed to perform home exercises and may experience straightening of the penis and improved erection quality after the first two cycles of Xiaflex treatment.
Learn more about Xiaflex treatment for Peyronie’s disease here.
Surgical Treatment
If Peyronie’s Disease is severe or unresponsive to non-surgical treatment, Dr. Steinberg may refer a patient to a Reconstructive Urologist, a specially trained colleague who specializes in the surgical correction of Peyronie’s Disease.
Dr. Jeffrey Steinberg is the most experienced urologist in central Massachusetts in the diagnosis and treatment of Peyronie’s Disease. If you suspect you are suffering from Peyronie’s Disease, contact Urology Specialists of Milford at (508) 473-6333 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steinberg in our Milford, MA office.
