Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease is a common condition which affects around 4 out of 100 men. It is caused by the accumulation of scar tissue (plaque) under the skin of the penis which causes the penis to bend when erect. This can cause pain, loss of sexual function and/or ED. Treatment of Peyronie’s disease is important as the condition rarely goes away on its own and may worsen over time.
About Peyronie’s Disease
What is Peyronie’s Disease?
Affecting 4 out of 100 men between the ages of 40-70, Peyronie’s disease is a condition which causes the penis to bend when erect. Most commonly seen in men over the age of 30 Peyronie’s disease can also affect younger men. Early evaluation and treatment is important, as Peyronie’s disease rarely goes away on its own and may worsen over time.
What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s disease is caused by the build-up of fibrous scar tissue under the skin of the penis. Known as a plaque, this forms along one side causing the penis to bend out of shape while erect. This can cause pain during sexual intercourse and in some cases erectile disfunction.
The exact causes of Peyronie’s Disease are unknown but current research suggests that the development of the fibrous plaques could be in response to a traumatic event or injury during contact sport or intercourse, which causes bleeding inside the penis. Injury to the fibrous connective tissues surrounding the penis can result in the formation of scar tissue or fibrosis. This scar tissue is responsible for the formation of the plaques causing Peyronie’s disease. It is also thought that genetic factors may play a role in the development of these plaques by restricting the body’s ability to repair itself.
How Does Focused Shockwave Therapy Treat Peyronie’s Disease?
Traditional treatment of Peyronie’s disease include pills, creams and injections. While these treatments may provide temporary relief for the symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease, their effects are short-lived and do not treat the underlying cause of the condition.
Focused Shockwave Therapy is a clinically proven treatment for erection problems that are caused by Peyronie’s disease. The treatment works by using a hand-held device to transmit low intensity ultrasonic waves through the skin to target the plaques that cause the curvature of the penis. In addition to breaking down the plaques, the waves stimulate blood flow and promote the formation of new blood vessels. Treatment is non-invasive and pain free.
Is Focused Shockwave Therapy Effective in Treating Peyronie’s Disease?
Clinical research* has shown that Focused Shockwave Therapy can be very effective in treating some of the underlying effects of Peyronie’s disease. While results vary according to the severity of the complaint and the progression of the condition, studies suggest that the use of Shockwave Therapy can result in a decrease in penile pain and an improvement in penile curvature and plaques. Focused Shockwave Therapy can also have a protective effect on the progression of the condition
To book your appointment for Focused Shockwave Therapy please contact osteopath Helen How by email or telephone 0131 551 1044.
*Shockwave Therapy in the Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease (July 2019)
NICE Guide on Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy & Peyronie’s Disease – Download (2003)
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