What Is Peyronie’s Disease? Learn About Symptoms and Available Treatments
What Is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s Disease is a condition that is estimated to affect approximately 9% of men between the ages of 40 and 70, and which is characterized by a significant bend or curve in the erect penis. The penis may curve upward, downward, left or right, or the penile shaft may appear to have indentations; in some cases, a tight band of tissue constricts the centre of the erect shaft, giving the penis an “hourglass” shape. These changes to the shape of the erect penis happen due to the formation of scar tissue (also known as “plaque”) in the penile shaft. Because this scar tissue is rigid, it is unable to expand in the way that healthy tissue does, which results in curving or deformation of the shape of the penis during erection. When the penis is flaccid, it’s usually possible to feel the plaque in the penile shaft, which may feel like hard flat lumps, or like tight bands of tissue. Peyronie’s Disease may develop slowly, but often the onset is sudden. The causes aren’t completely understood, but some risk factors include injuries to the penis, a family history of Peyronie’s Disease or other connective tissue diseases, certain medications such as beta blockers, vitamin deficiency, or environmental factors.
Effects of Peyronie’s Disease
This condition does not affect fertility, and for many men the effects of the scar tissue is merely cosmetic. For others, the accumulation of plaque makes it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection, due to reduced blood flow. Some men experience painful erections, which makes sexual pleasure impossible. For men who suffer from erectile dysfunction due to Peyronie’s Disease, or those who are unable to get erections without having pain, the condition can have serious consequences. The inability to have intercourse with a partner may lead to an erosion of the relationship or a decrease in intimacy. Peyronie’s Disease may also result in a loss of confidence or self-esteem, or even to clinical depression.
Available Treatments
Conventional wisdom was that there was little to be done to treat Peyronie’s Disease except in severe cases where surgery was indicated. In recent years, however, less invasive therapies have become more available. In the Greater Toronto Area, Dr. Dhanesh Juta identified a need for a clinic devoted completely to issues of men’s sexual health, and in 2022, he opened the Precision Men’s Sexual Health Clinic. Precision offers a variety of treatments for Peyronie’s Disease, which include:
- Shockwave therapy, a technique where low-intensity sound waves are directed at problem areas in order to increase blood flow to the penis and stimulate growth of healthy tissue.
- Injection therapy, where growth factors from the client’s own blood are extracted and injected in order to promote healing.
- Trimix injections, which allow blood flow to the penis in a matter of minutes, causing erections that usually last for an hour.
- Sex therapy with a certified sex therapist to help clients learn how to identify and communicate their sexual needs and resolve any psychological issues.
If you’d like to learn more about the treatments available for Peyronie’s Disease at the Precision Men’s Sexual Health Clinic, book a consultation on their website , or call the office at 416-792-1007.
What Clients are Saying
The Precision Men’s Sexual Health Clinic uses state-of-the-art therapies to treat clients, including shockwave therapy to improve blood flow to the penis, various types of injection therapies, drug therapies, surgical procedures, and sex therapy. Dr. Juta prefers a holistic approach and may use treatments in combination to help restore function and intimacy.
