Do I Have Peyronies Disease?
Curvature of the penis is actually quite common, many men actually have a natural curve to their penis, for some it has no effect on them whatsoever and live their lives quite happily with no ill effect, for others the curve can cause them embarrassment and in severe cases, possible problems with intimacy and sexual contact.
Natural curvature can occur for many reasons, some cases could be genetic or the result of a childhood injury.
Treating Regular or Natural Penile Curvature
Having A Curved Or Bent Penis Does Not Automatically Mean That You Have Peyronies Disease
However….If your penis has developed a lump or it has started to bend to one side, especially as it become erect, here is every chance that you could have the condition known as Peyronies disease.
If you do have the condition; your body has replaced normal elastic tissue in your penis with harder, inflexible scar tissue that is known as a plaque.
These scar tissues are what normally appear to replace injured tissue, but in the case of Peyronies, it appears in healthy skin. It can cause deformity of the penis, and one informative Peyronies forum likens it to putting some ducktape onto a balloon and then blowing it up –as the balloon inflates, it does so irregularly and ends up misshapen.
What Has Caused My Peyronies Disease
There is no definitive answer to this question, the general thought is that some people are more genetically disposed to the problem, it can often be triggered by trauma or injury to the penis – something minor, even unnoticeable could trigger the condition – A blow to the penis playing football, even twisting or straining the penis while having intercourse – especially when the woman is on top could be the trigger.
How Can I Cure Peyronies Disease
There is no definitive cure for Peyronies disease, there are however treatments that can stabilise and reverse the problem.
It’s recommended that these are tried in order, as each option is increasingly more aggressive.
When considering treatments for Peyronies, it pays to consider the following:
- The Chance Of It Working
- Any Health Risks
- The Cost
- Just How Invasive Is The Treatment
Not every treatment will work for all people, and the rate of response to treatments will vary. Very few cases (around 5%) actually disappear on their own, and a slightly larger amount of cases do improve without treatment. Unfortunately, the majority of cases will remain or in sometimes get worse without treatment.
Recommended Treatment Plan For Peyronies Disease
What Should I Do If Think I Have Peyronies Disease
The first port of call should be your doctor, he/she will then probably refer you to a specialist Urologist – ask to be seen by one that specialises in Peyronies.
The first treatment you can try is an oral supplement, there are some over the counter products that have demonstrated good results and are an ideal first method because they are less invasive and have virtually no risks of any side effects.
These include:
- Coenzyme Q10 – Between 200 and 400mg per day split into 3 doses
- L-Arginine – Between 1.5 and 3g per day –split into 2 or 3 doses
- Acetyl L-Carnitine Between 1.5 – 3g per day split into 2 doses
- Those aged over 40 years old could benefit from Ubiquinol, but this can be expensive to buy
Try to get good amounts of sleep, and importantly DO NOT SMOKE.
Some experts suggest trying an anti inflammation diet but this still needs further research.
What Will Happen At The Doctors
Be relaxed and try not to be shy, as most Urologists deal with Peyronies on a regular basis.- They have seen it all before..
Take a photograph of your erect penis with you, showing clearly the lumps or curvature, as this will greatly assist your doctor in assessing and preparing a treatment plan.
Prepare questions in advance; take your partner with you if you wish, so that they can ask their own questions. Make sure you get all the answers to any concerns before you leave.
Your Doctor will probably do the following at your consulation:
- Carry out a ‘hands on’ visual examination
- Request an ultrasound scan to determine the levels of both plaques and bloodflow
- They could prescribe a drug called Pentox, or possible suggest over the counter supplements such as L-arginine (sometimes they will suggest both, this is called a PAV Cocktail and can also include Viagra
- They will discuss the various forms of treatment, that will no doubt include vacuum pumps, traction devices, injections and as a last resort surgery.
Surgery is usually only usually carried out in extreme cases of Peyronies, ie when intercourse is difficult and/or painful and other treatment methods have been ineffective.
After Your Diagnosis
The first thing that you have to remember that treating peyronies disease is a gradual process. Your doctor probably prescribe you Pentox or something similar and if he hasn’t mentioned it, go buy some of the supplements mentioned above as these can provide some good results.
You will need to consider the effects on your life in general – for instance – can you still get an erection? Are you able to have fulfilling sexual intercourse.
Consider buying your self a vacuum pump or traction device as these have been found to be very effective over time. Costs will vary, but get the best that you can afford, many sufferers of Peyronies actually have both.
If you feel that the problem is causing you psychological issues, seek therapy or councelling; treating Peyronies can feel like a battle, but if you can overcome the psychological impact, you are halfway there..