Peyronie Disease Treatment in Pakistan

Peyronie’s Disease is a male sexual health condition that causes the penis to bend or curve abnormally during erection. This curvature happens because of the development of fibrous scar tissue (plaque) inside the penile shaft, leading to pain, deformity, and difficulty with sexual activity.

While Peyronie’s Disease is not a form of cancer and does not spread to other parts of the body, it can have a significant impact on sexual performance, physical comfort, and emotional confidence. Many men suffer in silence, unaware that modern treatments can often correct or greatly improve the problem.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Peyronie’s Disease — its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and the latest treatment approaches that help men regain normal sexual function and quality of life.

Understanding Peyronie’s Disease

Inside the penis are two spongy chambers called the corpora cavernosa, which fill with blood during an erection. These chambers are surrounded by a thin elastic layer known as the tunica albuginea, allowing the penis to stretch evenly and maintain a straight shape.

When Peyronie’s Disease develops, scar tissue forms under the skin of the tunica albuginea. This tissue loses flexibility, causing the affected area to resist stretching. As a result, the penis bends toward the side of the scar when erect.

The degree of curvature can vary from mild to severe. In some cases, the penis may also shorten or develop an indentation, often referred to as a “hourglass deformity.”

How Common Is It?

Studies suggest that 5% to 10% of men experience Peyronie’s Disease at some point in their lives. It most often affects men between the ages of 40 and 70, but it can occur in younger men as well.
Because of embarrassment or lack of awareness, the condition is frequently underreported, meaning the actual number of cases is likely much higher.

Causes of Peyronie’s Disease

The exact cause of Peyronie’s Disease is not fully known, but it is thought to result from abnormal wound healing following minor injury to the penis. This injury may happen during sexual activity, sports, or even accidental trauma.

When the tissue tries to heal, excess collagen and fibrous material form in one area, creating a firm plaque that distorts the penis during erection.

Several factors increase the risk:

1. Repeated micro-injuries during sexual intercourse or physical activity.

2. Genetic factors – men with Dupuytren’s contracture or other fibrotic conditions are more prone.

3. Age – older men heal more slowly, increasing plaque formation risk.

4. Health conditions – such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.

5. Lifestyle factors – smoking, excessive alcohol use, and low testosterone levels.

6. Certain medications – some beta-blockers and anti-seizure drugs may contribute.

Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease

Symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually over months. Common signs include:

• Noticeable bend or curve in the penis during erection.

• Pain during erection or even when flaccid (usually in the early phase).

• Hard lump or plaque under the skin.

• Shortening or indentation of the penis.

• Erectile dysfunction due to discomfort or psychological distress.

• Difficulty with penetration or maintaining sexual activity.

The psychological effects — including anxiety, loss of confidence, and depression — are also significant and deserve medical attention.

Phases of Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s Disease progresses through two main stages:

1. Acute Phase (Active Stage)

• Lasts about 6–18 months.

• Pain and progressive curvature develop.

• Scar tissue is forming and may still change shape or size.

2. Chronic Phase (Stable Stage)

• Pain subsides, and curvature becomes stable.

• Plaques may harden or calcify.

• Deformity remains constant unless treated.

Diagnosis

A urologist or men’s health specialist can diagnose Peyronie’s Disease through:

1. Physical examination – feeling for plaques under the skin.

2. Medical history – assessing the onset, pain, and curvature changes.

3. Penile ultrasound – to visualize plaque size, location, and blood flow.

4. Photographs – sometimes patients provide images of the erect penis for accurate angle measurement.

These steps help determine the severity and best treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Peyronie’s Disease

Treatment depends on how severe the curvature is, whether pain is present, and how much it interferes with sexual function.

The goal is to reduce pain, correct curvature, restore function, and improve confidence.

1. Non-Surgical Treatments

A. Oral Medications

Used mainly in the early stage to reduce inflammation and fibrosis:

• Pentoxifylline – improves blood flow and prevents calcification.

• Vitamin E – antioxidant support for tissue health.

• Potassium para-aminobenzoate (Potaba) – may help soften plaques.

• Colchicine or Tamoxifen – sometimes used to reduce scar formation.

These drugs have limited success alone but can complement other therapies.

B. Injectable Therapies

1. Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (Xiaflex)

   • The only FDA-approved injection for Peyronie’s Disease.

   • Breaks down collagen in plaques and allows the penis to straighten.

   • Usually given as multiple injections with penile modeling exercises.

2. Verapamil or Interferon Injections

   • Reduce plaque size and curvature by improving collagen metabolism.

These treatments work best in the stable stage when the disease has stopped progressing.

C. Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

• Uses low-intensity sound waves to soften plaques and relieve pain.

• May stimulate blood flow and promote healing.

• Particularly helpful for men in the painful, early stage.

D. Penile Traction Devices

• Devices that gently stretch the penis over time.

• Can reduce curvature, restore length, and improve flexibility.

• Works best when combined with collagenase injections or PRP therapy.

E. Regenerative Treatments (PRP & Stem Cell Therapy)

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:

• Uses the patient’s own plasma, rich in growth factors.

• Injected into the affected tissue to promote healing and reduce fibrosis.

Stem Cell Therapy:

• Experimental but highly promising.

• Helps regenerate healthy tissue and reduce scarring.

Both methods are non-surgical, minimally invasive, and have shown encouraging results in early clinical trials.

2. Surgical Treatments

Surgery is recommended for men with severe curvature (more than 60 degrees) or sexual dysfunction who haven’t responded to medical therapy.

A. Tunica Plication (Shortening Technique)

• Sutures placed on the longer side of the penis to straighten it.

• Fast recovery and minimal complications, though slight shortening may occur.

B. Plaque Incision or Excision with Grafting

• The plaque is cut or removed, and a graft replaces the missing tissue.

• Maintains penile length and corrects complex curvature.

C. Penile Prosthesis Implant

• Best for men with Peyronie’s Disease and erectile dysfunction.

• Inflatable prostheses straighten the penis and restore rigidity.

• Considered the most definitive solution in advanced cases.

Psychological and Emotional Support

The emotional effects of Peyronie’s Disease can be as serious as the physical ones.
Many men experience stress, avoidance of intimacy, and low self-esteem.

Counseling, sex therapy, and partner support are essential components of treatment. Open communication with a healthcare professional helps men regain confidence and restore intimacy.

Recovery and Outlook

With proper management, most men experience significant improvement in pain, curvature, and sexual function.
Modern non-surgical treatments such as Xiaflex injections, traction therapy, and PRP have transformed outcomes.

Surgical solutions remain highly effective for advanced or unresponsive cases, restoring a straight, functional penis in over 90% of patients.

Prevention and Healthy Practices

While Peyronie’s Disease can’t always be prevented, adopting good habits reduces risk:

• Avoid aggressive sexual positions or rough activity.

• Maintain cardiovascular health with a balanced diet and exercise.

• Control diabetes and hypertension.

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

• Use adequate lubrication during sex.

Conclusion

Peyronie’s Disease can deeply affect a man’s sexual health and self-image — but it is not hopeless.
Thanks to modern advances in medical, regenerative, and surgical treatments, most men can achieve excellent recovery and resume normal sexual activity.

If you notice penile curvature, pain, or a lump, consult a qualified urologist early. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can make a remarkable difference in both function and confidence.

With the right care, Peyronie’s Disease can be successfully managed — and life can return to normal.