What is Peyronie’s disease?

Peyronie’s disease refers to the occurrence of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis. This inflexible tissue can often be felt underneath the penile skin, on the shaft, and it can cause unnatural bending or curving during erections. Men with this inflammatory condition may also experience painful erections or problems with erectile function; patients with Peyronie’s often develop symptoms of stress and anxiety related to the physiological problems related to the disease.

While treatments for Peyronie’s disease have varying outcomes, most men can experience some improvement, or even full recovery. The majority of specialists lean toward non-invasive treatments, except in the most extreme cases, as invasive surgery can have unwanted side effects such as loss of function and/or shortening of the shaft. The most popular and effective noninvasive treatments are described here, as well as some preventive suggestions for daily penis care.

Treating Peyronie’s - non-surgical alternatives for correcting a bent penis

• Transdermal Verapamil 15% Gel - This medication is often used in treating high blood pressure; however, evidence has shown that it is also effective in breaking up collagen - a property that allows it to help eliminate the scar tissue that results in Peyronie’s disease. Applying a transdermal gel to the affected area has had some success in treating Peyronie’s, although treatment can often take up to a year for full restoration of normal appearance and function.

• Shock wave therapy - the use of intense sound waves to break up scar tissue in the penis has met with varying degrees of success; while some doctors recommend this approach for their patients, many prefer to try more conventional methods of treatment.

• Vitamin E and Acetyl L-carnitine - These nutrients have multiple benefits when it comes to overall physiological health, and both have been used effectively in dealing with Peyronie’s disease. Taken orally or applied topically, supplements containing these ingredients may help to reduce the pain and curvature of Peyronie’s disease over time.

Before attempting any at-home treatment, it is important that men talk to their doctors about the best approach to addressing the problem. For those who have intimacy issues related to Peyronie’s disease, a qualified psychological counselor or sex therapist may be of assistance.

Preventing Peyronie’s disease

There is no magical solution that can guarantee that a man will not develop a severe curvature of the penis, but with a little care and creativity, men of all ages can take precautions to prevent scarring and injury that can lead to Peyronie’s disease. Some important steps to prevention, as well as overall penis health, include the following:

  • Avoiding excessive friction . Rough handling of the penis during play - either solo or with a partner - can cause cumulative damage to the connective tissue surrounding the erectile chambers. Over time, this scarring can develop into the plaque that characterizes Peyronie’s disease. By using a personal lubricant during sessions, and keeping the skin well-moisturized in between, men can reduce the amount of friction that affects the area.

  • Avoiding injury . Sudden moves during the throes of passion, or accidental impact with a partner’s pelvic bone, can result in ruptured erectile tissue and the subsequent formation of scarring. A little care during coupling can reduce the chances that such an injury will occur and affect long-term penile health and function.

  • Proactive penis care . Extra attention to daily penis care can go a long way toward protecting the penis from injuries, minor skin infections, and other uncomfortable issues. Aside from keeping it clean, applying a targeted penis health formula (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, E and B5, as well as all-natural moisturizers, can boost the natural healing properties of the penile tissue, as well as keeping the skin smooth, resilient and responsive.