How to Make My Erection Straight Again
Overview
What is Peyronie's disease?
Peyronie's is a disease where scar tissue in your penis causes it to curve, bend or lose length or girth. Yous may be able to feel the scar tissue (plaque) through the skin or yous may have hurting in a specific part of your penis as the scar tissue forms. During an erection, your penis tin bend up, downward, or to the side depending on the location of the scar. Some men with this condition don't have a curve, only might accept an area of indentation or "hourglass" advent.
Nigh men don't have perfectly directly erections. Simply because at that place is a little curve in your penis, that doesn't hateful you have Peyronie'southward disease. Men who have had a curvature their whole lives do not have Peyronie'southward disease.
In most cases, the scar forms on the top of the penis, causing it to curve upwards when it becomes erect. Your penis will curve downward if the scar is on the lesser, and sideways if the scar is on the side. In some cases, the scar develops on both the top and bottom of the shaft, which can cause the penis to become "dented" or shorter. Sometimes the scar will go all the way around the penis, making it narrow similar the neck of a bottle or the center of an hourglass. About one in iii men with this condition may take calcium in the scar tissue that can go far feel like bone.
How does the penis work?
Your penis has two roles: to carry urine and to carry sperm. There are three tubes inside it: the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder and through the penis, and two tubes called the corpora cavernosa that fill with blood to make the penis erect. All three are wrapped together by a tough gristly sheath known as the tunica albuginea. When you're having intercourse, the blood flowing to your penis makes it straight, strong and difficult, and able to penetrate. Semen and so exits through the urethra after orgasm. This procedure is called ejaculation.
Peyronie's disease affects the shape and size of the penis, but non urination or ejaculation.
What are the stages of Peyronie'due south illness?
Peyronie'due south disease has two stages: acute and chronic.
- Astute phase: This phase lasts betwixt six and 12 months. During this period the scar forms under the peel of your penis, causing a curvature or other change in its shape. Yous may experience pain when your penis is erect or when it is soft.
- Chronic phase: The scar has stopped growing in this phase, so the curvature in the penis doesn't get worse. The hurting will ordinarily be gone past this time, but sometimes information technology tin can continue, especially with erections. Also, erectile dysfunction (ED) or problems getting or keeping the penis hard may develop.
What's the difference betwixt Peyronie's disease and penile curvature?
Peyronie'southward disease is i type of penile curvature that happens to adults. Some men can exist born with penile curvature and this is called built curvature or chordee. Information technology is not caused by scar tissue, and the condition does not change over time. It might not exist noticeable until later on puberty when a man begins having more than regular erections.
Who is likely to get Peyronie'south affliction? What are the take chances factors?
Several run a risk factors might increase your chances of getting Peyronie's affliction:
- Age. Peyronie's disease is more likely to happen equally y'all go older. It occurs in nearly 10-15% of centre-anile men.
- Genetics. If you accept a shut relative (brother or father, for example) with the illness, yous're at a higher run a risk.
- Connective tissue disorders. Those with a connective tissue disorder are at a greater risk. Examples of those disorders include Dupuytren'south disease, plantar fasciitis and scleroderma.
- Erectile dysfunction. Men who have diabetes-associated erectile dysfunction (ED) (impotence/difficulty getting and keeping an erection) are four to five times more likely to develop Peyronie'southward disease. Sometimes erectile dysfunction can be caused by having Peyronie's.
- Prostate cancer. Men who have had surgery for prostate cancer are at an increased risk.
- Autoimmune disorders. If y'all accept an autoimmune disorder like lupus, you're more likely to get Peyronie'southward disease.
How mutual is Peyronie's affliction?
Experts guess that about 6% to x% of men between ages 40 and 70 have Peyronie's disease. It'southward been observed in other ages, but information technology's less common. There'due south a theory that the actual number may be college since some men cull non to talk virtually the disease with their healthcare provider, and others may not be bothered plenty to seek medical care. If you accept concerns virtually your sexual health, exist sure to report your symptoms to a healthcare provider.
Does Peyronie's disease injure?
Yes, Peyronie's disease can be painful. This is virtually common in the acute (early) phase of the disease. However, pain may continue with erections fifty-fifty in the chronic phase. The severity of it varies depending on the person.
Does Peyronie'southward disease brand the penis smaller?
Aye. Peyronie's disease tin can shorten your penis. Treatments for Peyronie's disease can attempt to restore length.
Does Peyronie'due south affliction cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Peyronie'south disease tin can cause erectile dysfunction by interfering with the normal blood trapping valves that are important for getting or maintaining an erection.
Is Peyronie'south affliction contagious?
No. Peyronie's is not contagious or caused by any other disease.
Will Peyronie's illness go on me from having sex?
Y'all can have sex, but it might be painful or hard for y'all or your partner. The greater the curve, the more difficult it is to have sex.
Symptoms and Causes
What causes Peyronie'southward disease?
The cause of Peyronie's disease is not ever clear. Some researchers believe the scar occurs later on the erect penis has been injured or abnormally bent, typically during sexual intercourse. However, 80% of men don't remember a specific outcome that led to the changes in their penis. These changes probably happen due to small unrecognized injuries that happen during regular sexual relations. Men with Peyronie's illness may exist at risk of having besides much scar tissue form in response to these small injuries compared to men who don't develop this status.
If you accept a close family member with the disease, then y'all are more probable to get information technology. Non all men who have injuries terminate up with Peyronie's affliction, so information technology is likely that at that place are genetic or environmental reasons. Y'all're besides more probable if you have certain connective tissue disorders including Dupuytren's contractures or tympanosclerosis.
There are also health bug that have been linked to Peyronie'south affliction. It is unclear if they cause Peyronie's disease, or if they happen alongside it:
- High blood sugar.
- Pelvic trauma.
- Problems with wound healing.
- Using tobacco products.
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Sjögren's syndrome and Behçet's illness.
What are the symptoms of Peyronie's disease? What are the signs?
The primary symptom of Peyronie's disease is curvature in the penis. Y'all may feel scar tissue (a plaque) nether the skin of the penis. You may be able to tell that the plaque is forming because of the post-obit signs:
- Your penis is shorter.
- Your penis is bent/curved.
- There is loss of girth, an indentation or hourglassing of your shaft.
- There are lumps in your penis.
- Erections are painful.
- Erections are soft.
- Sex is difficult because of the curve.
Symptoms of Peyronie's disease may develop slowly or can seem to announced overnight. The hurting of Peyronie's illness is normally mild and frequently does not require treatment, merely medications similar ibuprofen can be used if needed. In most cases, the pain decreases over fourth dimension, but the bend in the penis related to the scar tin can remain a problem. If the bend is bad plenty, such as greater than thirty degrees, the curve tin can interfere with sex.
A man with Peyronie'southward disease may too notice that this status affects their mental health. Changes in the penis can cause body epitome issues, anxiety or even depression. Information technology can cause strain in a relationship and in other aspects of life.
Your sexual health is equally of import as any other aspect of your health. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. Bringing your partner to the visit can help ensure both partners' concerns are addressed.
Do sure foods worsen or meliorate Peyronie's disease?
No. At this time at that place is no show to suggest that what you consume or beverage affects Peyronie's illness.
How long does Peyronie's disease last?
Peyronie'south disease is usually a permanent condition. True Peyronie's affliction rarely goes away on its own, only can occasionally change even years after diagnosis in response to further injuries. The changes in the penis tin e'er be improved using a diversity of treatments.
Can Peyronie's disease cause cancer?
No. Peyronie'due south disease is non cancerous and does not turn into cancer.
Can Peyronie's illness cause infertility?
No. Peyronie'southward disease is acquired by plaque forming under the skin of your penis. It bends the penis, but does not bear upon fertility. It also does not crusade any problems with urination or ejaculation.
Can Peyronie'south disease cause blood in urine?
No. Claret in your urine is not a symptom of Peyronie's illness.
Can Peyronie's affliction kill you?
No. Peyronie's disease changes the shape and size of the penis, but information technology is not mortiferous and does not affect the residual of your body.
Can Peyronie's disease cause urinary problems?
No. Urinary issues are not a symptom of Peyronie's disease. If y'all have urinary problems, be sure to study your symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Is Peyronie'due south disease genetic?
Experts think it is likely that there is a genetic component to some cases of Peyronie'due south disease. You may go the disease if a close family member has information technology.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is Peyronie'south disease diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask y'all about annihilation that may take happened earlier the symptoms appeared, such equally an injury. They will experience the hardened tissue caused by the disease, although sometimes it is necessary to exercise the examination when your penis is erect. If needed, an injection will be used to temporarily make your penis cock for the exam.
Your healthcare provider may recommend an ultrasound. The ultrasound will reveal where the plaque is, cheque for calcium buildup and show how the blood flows in your penis. This exam can allow your healthcare provider to decide which treatment options you might exist a candidate for.
What questions might my healthcare provider ask to diagnose Peyronie's illness?
- How long have yous noticed the curve in your penis?
- Take you lost length and, if so, how much?
- Is having sex hard?
- In which direction does your penis curve and roughly how many degrees?
- Are you in pain currently or during sex activity?
- Does your partner have pain during sex?
- How potent are your erections? Do yous have erectile dysfunction (ED)?
- Does anyone in your family unit accept Peyronie's disease or Dupuytren'southward contracture?
- What medications are you taking?
- Exercise you take whatever other medical problems or conditions such as diabetes or an autoimmune disorder?
Management and Treatment
How is Peyronie's disease treated?
If you have very little penis curvature with no pain and no problems with sex, you lot may not demand to be treated at all. Some cases of Peyronie's illness go away without treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about what options are right for y'all.
Is there a cure for Peyronie'south disease?
There is no cure for Peyronie's disease, but in that location are always ways that the changes in the penis can be improved. Many unlike treatments exist including stretch therapy (traction), medications and even surgeries.
What can I do for my Peyronie'due south disease without medication or surgery?
Traction (or stretch) therapy uses a device to stretch the penis and sometimes even bend the penis in the opposite management of the curvature. This encourages the scar tissue to be recycled into more normal tissue and can improve curvature, restore length lost due to Peyronie'southward illness, and even improve the hardness of erections.
The device needs to be worn daily for several months to show improvement. Many men wear the device while sleeping. At that place have been no long-term side effects from this treatment. Men may demand to buy the device independently, but often receive reimbursement from their insurance companies. The but FDA-approved traction device is the Restorex® device.
Vacuum erection devices are used by many healthcare providers to treat Peyronie's disease. However, traction therapy has shown ameliorate improvements in curvature because it causes more stretch on the scar tissue.
What medications assist with Peyronie's illness?
At that place are medications taken past mouth and medications injected into the penis. The oral medications testify piddling effectiveness compared to the injections. Injections that go right into the scar tissue are able to interruption downwards the scar and improve the curvature in the penis. Medications can exist used in the acute phase, or in men who aren't sure if they desire surgery. Medications rarely result in a straight penis.
There is no oral medication guaranteed to assistance with Peyronie'due south disease 100% of the time. Oral medications that may aid include:
- Pain Medications. Ibuprofen and similar medications may help with the hurting and reduce inflammation.
- Tadalafil (Cialis®). Daily tadalafil improves blood period in the penis and may prevent the scarring from worsening.
- Pentoxifylline. Pentoxifylline also improves blood menstruation merely may cause upset stomach.
- 50-arginine. Fifty-arginine is an amino acid that tin improve claret menses.
- Colchicine. Colchicine is an anti-swelling amanuensis.
- Potassium amino-benzoate (Potaba). This vitamin B-complex may help reduce plaque size, but not necessarily the curve of the penis.
Injections:
- Collagenase injections (Xiaflex®). This is prescribed for men with penises that take curvatures of more than than 30 degrees merely less than ninety degrees. Information technology breaks down scar tissue to improve curvature. This is the most constructive injection available and is given in a serial of 2 shots per week for eight weeks.
- Interferon injections. Interferon is a poly peptide that helps command swelling and scarring. In theory, it slows downward the rate of scar tissue buildup past making an enzyme.
- Verapamil injections. This drug can exist taken by mouth to treat high blood pressure, simply has been shown when injected into Peyronie's plaque to help with penile pain and curvature.
Is at that place a specialist I should see to help with Peyronie'due south disease?
Urologists specialize in sexual and urinary bug in men. Peyronie'due south disease specialists generally include urologists who received extra training or have expertise in genital reconstruction, sexual medicine or andrology.
Can I have surgery for Peyronie's affliction?
Mild curvature of the penis caused by Peyronie'due south affliction usually does not demand treatment. Men in the chronic phase who desire the most rapid results or those who want a direct penis may be better served with surgery to correct the problem. Surgery is only performed on men whose Peyronie's illness makes information technology hard to have sex. Healthcare providers may have you await until the scar and curvature take stopped worsening and in that location has been no pain for around half-dozen to 12 months. Surgery should just be performed in the chronic phase.
At that place are three surgical options to possibly set your Peyronie's illness. These surgeries:
- Make the side of the penis contrary the plaque shorter. This surgery is done either by using small internal "tuck" stitches or by cutting out small pieces of tissues on the exterior of the curve and so sewing the remaining tissue closed. This shortens the outside of the curve to match the inside of the curve and brand the penis directly. This is a good approach for men with expert erections who take not lost much length from their Peyronie's affliction.
- Brand the side of the penis on the inside of the curve longer. If the curve is very bad, or the shaft has go narrow or very shortened, this might exist the right type of surgery. In it, the surgeon cuts the scar tissue (plaque) and may remove some of information technology. The space left behind is then covered with a patch (graft). There are several types of grafts, merely the most common ones are candy human or creature tissue. Sometimes grafts tin be obtained from another part of your own torso. This is a good arroyo for men with fantabulous erections and severe curvature who take lost a lot of length or who accept narrowing of the shaft that interferes with role.
- Insert a prosthetic device within the penis. This is the all-time arroyo for men with very poor erections who still desire to have sex. In this surgery, the penis is straightened over an inflatable device called a penile prosthesis (or penile implant). The implant allows a human being to control his erection by squeezing a pump hidden inside the scrotum between the testicles. The pump is squeezed until the penis is hard so tin can be deflated when sexual activity is done. This procedure is also commonly performed in men with erectile dysfunction who exercise not have Peyronie's disease.
Before surgery, your healthcare provider will demand to do an ultrasound on your penis. This will check the blood period to the penis and see if there is erectile dysfunction (ED). A medicine is injected during the ultrasound to create a temporary erection to see which surgery you lot might be a candidate for.
Are there side effects or complications of surgery?
All surgeries have some side furnishings which are generally rare. The "tuck" or shortening surgery tin make the penis shorter, cause temporary sensation changes or sometimes atomic number 82 to a knot or lump that tin exist felt under the skin. The scar removal (lengthening) process has a longer recovery catamenia. The risks are the same, except that there is a higher run a risk of worsened erections that may require pills or a penile implant. That is why this surgery is only offered to men with excellent erections. Penile prosthesis surgery also has risks including implant infection (ii% or less), device malfunction (15% run a risk at 10 years subsequently surgery), loss of length and others.
What other procedures help with Peyronie'south disease?
Some healthcare professionals recommend shockwave therapy. This is where focused, low-intensity electroshock waves are directed at the plaque. The goal is to reduce your pain which can likewise exist accomplished past over-the-counter medications.
Researchers take not institute whatsoever proof that shockwave can help improve penile curvature. This treatment may be expensive and is rarely covered by insurance.
Prevention
How can I prevent Peyronie's affliction?
As men age, their erections may be less rigid (firm), or there may exist difficulty in maintaining firmness. Less rigid erections tin can be injured because regular thrusting during sexual intercourse may cause the penis to bend and lead to pain. To avoid this type of injury, there are a number of things you and your partner tin do:
- Your healthcare provider may prescribe oral medications (Viagra®, Levitra®, Cialis®) if you have erectile dysfunction and sexual intercourse is either hard or incommunicable. The starting time step in fugitive penile injuries is to begin to use 1 of these agents every bit soon as erections begin to get less rigid.
- You should brand certain to use adequate lubrication during sexual activity. If in that location is not plenty natural lubrication and so use an over-the-counter lubricant.
- If the penis slips out during sexual intercourse, the homo or his partner should utilise their hand to guide information technology back in.
- Sexual intercourse with the partner on summit should be performed with caution because this position may increment the chances of the penis bending.
- Regardless of the position, the man's thrusting movements during sexual intercourse should generally exist direct in and out. He should avert movements that might curve or twist the penis.
Many men all the same get Peyronie's disease fifty-fifty without sexual practice. If your Peyronie'southward disease is caused by genetics or a condition such every bit an autoimmune disorder, there was no mode you could've prevented it.
Outlook / Prognosis
What can I expect if I've been diagnosed with Peyronie's illness?
If you accept Peyronie's disease, you may take a curved/bent penis, pain with an erection or possibly difficulty having sex. It'southward important to remember that these symptoms may not be permanent and that Peyronie's disease doesn't harm the rest of the body. It'south not cancerous. It doesn't affect fertility. At that place are treatments.
Whether you've but been diagnosed with Peyronie's illness or have had information technology for a long time, understand that you volition have to be patient. Waiting for the treatments to help manage your symptoms can be frustrating. The pain makes the disease fifty-fifty more than frustrating, equally does your disability to have sex if you have a astringent example. Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns.
Can Peyronie's disease be cured?
The symptoms of Peyronie'southward disease can exist improved using the various available treatments. Unfortunately, no treatment can merits to cure Peyronie's illness 100% of the time.
Living With
How do I take care of myself?
More than than 75% of men with Peyronie'south report that they're stressed and depressed because of the disease. There are treatments for depression. A certified sex therapist is uniquely qualified to help you deal with these problems. You can also run into a psychiatrist for medications and a general therapist for counseling (therapy).
Peyronie'due south disease can touch your human relationship with your partner. Exist open up. Exist honest. Talk over your concerns with your partner and, if needed, see a therapist together. Bring your partner to the visit with you whenever possible to brand certain the healthcare provider discusses whatsoever concerns either of you might have regarding this condition.
How tin Peyronie'due south illness bear upon my relationship?
Peyronie's disease is truly a couple's affliction because it can bear on both partners. Curvature in the penis can cause pain to both the man with Peyronie's and his partner. It'due south important to include your partner in the word with your healthcare provider so that they can sympathize how the condition is affecting both partners.
What are the other ways Peyronie's disease might bear upon me?
In add-on to causing physical changes in the penis, Peyronie's illness tin can too touch on your mental health. Changes in the appearance of the penis can lead to trunk image concerns, anxiety and even depression. This can affect many areas of your life including your human relationship, work and others.
When should I meet my healthcare provider about Peyronie's illness?
Notify your healthcare provider if you lot notice a curve in your penis – specially one that gets worse over fourth dimension. Await for the signs that you may have plaque edifice upwards under the peel of your penis:
- Your penis is shorter.
- Your penis is bent/curved.
- There are lumps in your penis.
- Erections are painful.
- Erections are soft.
- Sex is difficult considering of the bend.
- There is a loss of girth, an indentation, or an hourglass appearance of the penis.
Return to your healthcare provider immediately if you accept these symptoms in addition to the ones listed above:
- Problem urinating.
- External bleeding.
- Penile pain that doesn't go away.
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider about Peyronie's disease?
- What should I do if the curve gets worse?
- Do you lot wait that this will get abroad or require treatment?
- How ofttimes should I return for a checkup?
- What treatments practice you recommend?
- Practise y'all think I should have surgery?
- What kind of surgery do you recommend?
- How tin can I talk to my partner nigh this disease?
- Tin y'all recommend a counselor or support group?
- Can yous recommend a sex therapist?
A annotation from Cleveland Clinic
Your sexual wellness is important and affects your quality of life. Penis health, especially when it comes to shape and size, tin can exist a difficult, awkward conversation to have with a partner or healthcare provider. But, if you want to ameliorate your Peyronie'southward disease, those conversations demand to happen. This status is common and affects upwardly of 10% of men, so yous are not alone. Don't hesitate to tell your urologist or other healthcare providers exactly what your symptoms are. Be specific. Talk about your concerns and fears. Heed to your healthcare provider. Find the best next step y'all can have to manage your Peyronie'south disease.
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10044-peyronies-disease