Peyronie’s Disease Treatment in Oklahoma City

Peyronie’s disease occurs when scar tissue develops under the skin of the penis due to trauma or minor injury. As the scar tissue forms, the penis may become bent or indented during an erection, which can cause increased pain.

Urologist Ash Bowen, MD is board-certified by the American Board of Urology and has extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients with Peyronie’s disease. He is a member of the American Urological Association and Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Dr. Bowen will take the time to fully discuss your treatment options and answer any questions you may have. Contact us to schedule an appointment at our urology clinic in Oklahoma City, OK today! Our office is located in OKC, just a short drive from Norman, Mustang, Moore, and Newcastle.

Peyronie’s Disease Frequently Asked Questions

Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms

The symptoms of Peyronie’s disease are both tangible and visible, and therefore commonly noticeable to the naked eye. In over 70% of cases, scar tissue will develop on the top of the penis leading to an upward bend during an erection. Other times, the scar tissues develop on the bottom or side of the penis, causing downward or sideways bend during an erection. In rare cases, the scar tissue may develop all around the penis, causing the shaft to narrow and become very hard.

If you are experiencing any of the following, you may be living with Peyronie’s disease:

• Pain during sex or erections
• Hard spots or lumps in the penis
• Penile curvature of bending
• Narrowing or shortening of the penis

What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease is usually caused by injury to the penis. This can happen during an athletic activity, aggressive sex, or an accident of some sort. However, there have been cases in which the disease is part of a larger autoimmune issue. If the disease attacks cells within the penis, it can lead to inflammation and scarring.

The chances of getting Peyronie’s disease increases with age due to changes in the elasticity of the penis, so men over the age of 50 are more commonly affected. In addition, men with a more active sexual lifestyle that may cause injuries to the penis, or men who have a family history of Peyronie’s disease also have a higher chance of developing it over their lifetime.

Diagnosing Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease can most often be diagnosed in a physical exam with or without an erection. If scar tissue is felt, you may be given an injectable drug to create an erection and check how your penis curves or narrows. Additionally, Dr. Bowen may order an ultrasound or X-ray to get an accurate location of the buildup of scar tissue. This will help Dr. Bowen design a proper treatment plan.

Dr. Bowen on Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s Disease Treatment

The goal of Peyronie’s disease treatment is to reduce pain in the penis and increase the ability to have more enjoyable intercourse. If Peyronie’s disease isn’t causing you pain and you’re having very few issues with penile curvature, you may not need treatment until the symptoms progress. In some cases, the disease will resolve itself without any treatment.

Because there is a risk of erectile dysfunction associated with Peyronie’s disease, a change in lifestyle may be recommended. This can include decreasing the amount of vigorous sexual activity or aggressive sports and quitting any smoking, illegal drugs, or alcohol consumption.

Nonsurgical Peyronie’s Disease Treatments

Milder cases of Peyronie’s disease can be effectively managed over time with medications and therapies. Dr. Bowen may prescribe a series of medications that may help inflammation or deter the development of scar tissue. These treatments can include:

• Steroid injections.
• Traction therapy
• Xiaflex
• Collagenase Injections.

These treatments must be discussed with your doctor prior, as they will be highly dependent on other health factors.

Surgical Peyronie’s Disease Treatments

Surgery may be recommended for patients experiencing severe issues with penile curvature or pain. The type of surgery will depend on the severity, but may include grafting or device implantation. Most commonly, the surgeries will include the following:

• Lengthening the area of the penis that curves.
• Placing a prosthetic device inside the penis.
• Shortening the opposite side of the penis from the scar tissue.

Peyronie’s Disease FAQs

How Do You Get Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease is likely caused by minor injury to the penis. This type of damage is most often caused by vigorous sex (such as bending the penis during penetration or pressure from a partner’s pubic bone), though it can also be caused by sports or other accidents.

What Happens if Peyronie’s Disease Is Left Untreated?

If left untreated, Peyronie’s disease may result in focal bend, pain, or structural abnormalities of the erect penis.

Does Viagra Help Peyronie’s Disease?

Yes. Medications that are prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED) are sometimes beneficial for patients in the early stages of Peyronie’s disease. However, it’s important that you discuss all medications taken with your doctor to confirm that they are okay to use in your specific situation.

Is Peyronie’s Disease Permanent?

Yes, in most case. Peyronie’s disease is usually a permanent condition, but can be improved using a variety of recommended treatments. Contact Dr. Bowen to learn more about these specific treatments.

How Does a Doctor Check for Peyronie’s Disease?

Ultrasound is the most common type of imaging used to diagnose Peyronie’s disease, though a physical exam may be sufficient enough for your doctor to diagnose the issue.

What Vitamins Help With Peyronie’s Disease?

Vitamin E is commonly used to help treat Peyronie’s disease.

Does Peyronie’s Get Worse?

The curvature and shortening associated with Peyronie’s disease might gradually worsen, especially if left untreated.

How Do You Treat Peyronie’s?

There are a number of options available with most involving surgery. However, intralesional collagenase injections (Xiaflex) may be an option for you. Dr. Bowen will discuss this after your initial visit.

What Does Peyronie’s Disease Feel Like?

It feels like a ridge or a row of tiny bumps under the skin of the penis. For some men, another symptom of Peyronie’s disease can be erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or maintaining an erection). Some men may experience pain with or without an erection as well.