Each of us is unique, and every man’s penis is different. There is a wide variation of healthy shapes and sizes among adult penises, but if your penis is bent too far when erect, it’s possible you have Peyronie’s Disease. At Orchidia Medical Group in Naples, FL, your sexual health is important to us. We can help you understand and treat Peyronie’s with the RestoreX® therapy device.
What Is Peyronie’s Disease?
This disorder manifests as a curvature in the penis during an erection. The curve itself can be mild at about a 15-degree angle or more severe at angles of 30-degrees, 60-degrees, or even as extreme as 90-degrees.
How It Starts
This disorder begins with the development of scar tissue within the penis. As scar tissue builds, it creates an inflexible bump under the skin known as Peyronie’s plaque. This type of plaque is different from arterial plaque and isn’t related to heart disease. This is simply the result of scar tissue formation. Unfortunately, none of us are able to control how much scar tissue our bodies will generate when they perceive an injury, so sometimes something very minor can cause far more plaque than you might expect.
How It Works
When the penis is flaccid, the plaque may not be noticeable at all, but for some men, it will be possible to feel the scar tissue. For all those with this disease, the situation becomes most noticeable during an erection.
In an erection, blood rushes to the penis and engorges it, causing it to stiffen and lengthen. Because the Peyronie’s plaque is sitting as a bump in the way, the erection will naturally bend around it. If the plaque is on the top of the penis, an erection will cause the penis to curve upwards. If the plaque is on one side, you will notice the curvature bending to that same side.
Results of Peyronie’s Disease
In the early stages, or if the curvature of the penis is mild, this disorder may not cause much of an issue. Many men tend to ignore it, either because they don’t notice it at all or because they are embarrassed to seek out help.
As the condition progresses or as the curvature deepens, sexual intercourse can become less satisfying. It may even become painful. You may suffer from erectile dysfunction or find it difficult to maintain an erection.
All of these issues can cause long-term emotional consequences and damage intimate relationships. They can be destructive to self-esteem and cause constant anxiety as well as pain and a lack of sexual interest.
Getting It Treated
Unfortunately, it’s very unlikely for this condition to go away on its own. More commonly, it gets worse with time. Seeking treatment early is the fastest way to get the best results. At Orchidia Medical Group, we can offer effective treatment that will ease your symptoms and provide relief.
What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?
Medical professionals aren’t yet sure of the exact cause for this disease, but there are known contributing factors:
Injury
Any time the penis is injured in an accident, during sex, or even during athletic activity, the possibility of developing plaque becomes greater. Some may be unaware that even during vigorous sex it’s possible to accidentally bend and injure the penis. The more often your penis suffers an injury, the greater the likelihood of developing this disease. Yet many men suffer injury to the penis and never develop this condition, leading some researchers to believe there may be a genetic component.
When the penis is injured, the blood vessels can rupture, causing bleeding and inflammation within. Cells from the immune system also rush to the area to stimulate healing. The blood begins clotting very soon after an injury, and in some cases, immune cells are trapped in the area by inflammation. This causes them to signal too much healing. The cells in this situation aren’t able to regulate how much scar tissue to make, so there is overproduction that leads to plaque development.
Age
As men age, it’s not uncommon for erections to become less firm. This means it’s easier for the penis to be bent too far during sex, leading to an increased possibility for injury. It is a misconception that only older men can get this disease, but the risk for it does rise with age. When you meet with us at Orchidia Medical Group, we can help you with all aspects of sexual wellness, including age-related decline in the firmness of erections.
Genetics
The genetic component of Peyronie’s is not yet fully understood. However, researchers do know that if you have a family member with the disorder you are far more likely to develop the disease yourself.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s
Because some of the symptoms of this disorder can mimic the symptoms of other conditions, it’s important to set up a consultation and come see us for an accurate diagnosis. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
A New Curve
If you start to notice a curvature to your erection that wasn’t there before, come see us. There may or may not be pain involved, though typically pain will develop gradually over the year or two after you first notice the curving. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner we can help you avoid any pain.
Difficulty During Sex
If you’re finding yourself bothered by the shape or angle of your penis during sex, or finding sex increasingly challenging, the issue could be Peyronie’s. Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that affects many men, and it may not be caused by Peyronie’s at all. Come talk to us about your issues and we can help you understand whether your ED is caused by Peyronie’s or another issue.
A Bump Under the Skin
Some men will be able to feel their Peyronie’s plaque while others will not. This can be a frightening time, since penile cancer also causes lumps and these are often the first noticeable symptom. Peyronie’s is not cancerous, but for your safety and peace of mind, it’s always a good idea to get checked out as soon as you notice any unusual bumps.
Treatment at Orchidia Medical Group
At Orchidia Medical Group, we use the highly effective RestoreX® therapy device, developed by doctors in consultation with the Mayo Clinic, to address Peyronie’s curvature and restore lost length. This treatment involves no surgery, needles, or extensive downtime, and it offers excellent results to qualified candidates for treatment.
How RestoreX® Works
This penile traction device only requires 60 to 90 minutes of treatment per day, all done at home. The first step is wrapping the penis in a special wrap that helps to hold the device in place. Then the penis is threaded through a ring. The user then adjusts the tension to their comfort level. All it takes are two 30-minute sessions per day during which it’s easily possible to watch TV, read, or do other seated activities. There is no pain or discomfort involved.
As sessions progress, you’ll notice that you can use increased tension. This device requires no extensive attachments, no lubrication, has no complicated straps or suction bulbs, and is easy to use in the privacy and convenience of your own home.
The Benefits of RestoreX®
Speedy Results
One reason we recommend this treatment is that it specifically targets the angle of your curvature issue. Other penile traction devices treat all sides of the penis with precisely the same force, which can work but takes longer.
With RestoreX®, you’re able to exert greater angular force opposite the location of your Peyronie’s plaque, which means the device works more efficiently than other options. Other penile traction devices often have to be worn for up to five hours a day, and some for as many as nine hours! With RestoreX®, treatments are fast and easy to fit into your day.
Drug-Free
There are drug therapies that can address some of the symptoms of Peyronie’s, but these come with unwanted side effects. They also don’t do much to address the underlying cause: just the symptoms.
Comfort
Some penile traction devices, particularly those available on the internet promising greater length or a solution for a curving penis, can be very uncomfortable. The advanced design of this treatment system holds the penis in place comfortably with no irritation or pinching.
No Guesswork
With other devices, you may be left guessing about whether you’re seeing real results. This treatment therapy lets you know when you’ve reached the optimized treatment zone and allows for continuous adjustments on the spot without having to add an additional part or take the device on and off. As you progress through treatment, you’ll be able to count the number of “clicks” of tension and see precisely how well the curvature correction is progressing.
FAQ About Peyronie’s and Our Treatment
How Long Will It Take to Get Results?
You should see a positive change after just two 30-minute treatments. For full results to manifest, you should allow about 12 weeks of continuous treatment. Your results may vary, and it’s important to check with us regularly so we can assess how you’re doing and combine your RestoreX® treatment with other treatments if needed.
Will This Make My Penis Longer?
Most men with Peyronie’s will see length gains from treatment. Again, these vary by person and condition.
Is This Treatment Permanent?
This treatment is a fairly new option for men suffering from Peyronie’s, and it’s not yet clear how permanent the results will be. Once your 12-week initial period is up or you have achieved your desired results, most experts recommend continuing treatment once a week or so to maintain the best results continuously.
Does It Matter Which Direction My Penis Curves?
Another reason we use the RestoreX® therapy device at Orchidia Medical Group is that it is equally effective no matter which direction your penis curves.
How Common Is Peyronie’s?
The exact numbers aren’t certain, but the best official estimates are that somewhere between 3% and 9% of men suffer from this condition. The important thing to know is that you’re not alone in your condition, and there is something that can be done about it.
Will My Peyronie’s Get Better if I Leave It Alone?
Right now, experts estimate that only about 5% of cases improve or resolve on their own. The vast majority of the time, the situation will only get worse with time. We recommend getting treatment quickly after you notice symptoms. This ensures your treatment gets you the best results and means you’re much less likely to develop any of the more serious effects of advanced Peyronie’s.
Learn More
If you’re suffering any symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease, or if you’re concerned about any aspect of your sexual wellness, schedule an appointment with Orchidia Medical Group in Naples, FL today. We take your sexual health and privacy seriously and offer discrete and professional treatment that can restore your intimate wellness.
