Have you noticed a new curve in your penis? Maybe erections have become painful, or changes in its shape are making sex difficult. You might wonder whether the curve will go away on its own or if you’ll need surgery.
The good news is that surgery isn’t always necessary. Peyronie’s disease treatment depends on your symptoms, how much your penis has changed, and whether the condition is getting worse.
What Is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s disease happens when scar tissue (commonly called plaque) forms inside the penis. This tissue doesn’t stretch normally during an erection, so your penis may:
- Bend or curve
- Become shorter
- Narrow in certain areas
- Develop an hourglass shape
The disease has two phases. During the active phase, the curve may change, and erections may hurt. During the stable phase, the curve stops getting worse, and pain often improves. Knowing which phase you’re in helps your doctor decide which treatments may work best.
Does Peyronie’s Disease Always Need Treatment?
You don’t always need treatment for Peyronie’s disease. If the curve is mild, erections are firm, and sex isn’t painful or difficult, your urologist may suggest watching for changes.
Pain often improves on its own, but the curve usually doesn’t go away without treatment. Your urologist will consider the curve, any loss of length, and whether you can get and keep an erection.
What Are the Nonsurgical Peyronie’s Disease Treatment Options?
You may have options that don’t involve surgery. The best choice depends on your symptoms and whether the condition is still changing.
Pain Relief
Pain is more common during the active phase. Ibuprofen or naproxen may ease discomfort, but these medications won’t straighten your penis or remove scar tissue.
Penile Traction Therapy
Penile traction uses a device to gently stretch the penis for a set time each day. Over time, it may reduce the curve, preserve length or help regain some lost length.
Results take time, and regular use matters. Your urologist can explain how to use the device safely.
Xiaflex Injections
Xiaflex is an FDA-approved injection that breaks down some of the collagen in the scar tissue. Your urologist injects it into the plaque. Treatment also includes gently stretching and shaping the penis.
Xiaflex may be an option if your doctor can feel the plaque and your penis curves at least 30 degrees. Other factors affect whether it’s right for you.
Injections may reduce the curve, but they probably won’t make your penis completely straight. Side effects include bruising, swelling, and soreness. Rarely, a serious tear in penile tissue can occur.
When Is Surgery Needed for Peyronie’s Disease?
Surgery may be an option when the condition is stable, and the curve makes sex difficult. There are three main procedures.
Penile Plication
Your surgeon places stitches on the longer side of the penis to straighten it. Plication often works well when erections are firm, and there’s enough length, but it can make the penis shorter.
Incision and Grafting
For a severe curve, major loss of length, or an hourglass shape, your surgeon may cut the tight tissue and cover the area with a patch called a graft.
This can preserve more length than plication, but it carries a higher risk of erection problems afterward.
Penile Implant
If you also have erectile dysfunction (ED) that doesn’t improve with medication, an implant may treat both problems.
The implant makes the penis firm enough for sex. Your surgeon may also straighten the curve during the procedure.
Find Peyronie’s Disease Treatment in Charlotte and Columbia
Peyronie’s disease treatment can help make sex more comfortable, but the right choice depends on how the condition affects you.
At Carolina Urology Partners, our urologists can examine the curve, check erection quality, and talk through your options. Schedule an appointment with our team in Charlotte, NC, or Columbia, SC, to discuss your next steps.
