Peyronie’s Disease Shockwave Therapy

Peyronie's disease

Peyronie’s Disease, a curving or deformity of the penis, was first mentioned in books as early as the 1500s. But in 1743, a surgeon in France, called Francois de la Peyronie, studied the disease in detail. Thereafter, the condition became known in English speaking languages as ‘Peyronie’s Disease’ or simply Peyronie’s.

Peyronie’s disease is a male-only condition.  The first a man may know about it is when he gets an erection and is shocked to find the penis has changed shape. For some men, this can be gradual, for others it can be overnight. Many men are shocked and wonder whether they have cancer. The good news is that this condition isn’t cancerous, but it is a very stubborn disease.  It happens because fibrous plaque starts forming in the penis. This fibrous plaque both blocks the blood flow and prevents the penis from fully extending on the side where the plaque is. In the majority of cases, this causes the penis to bend towards that side. As a result, the penis can bend upwards (most commonly, sideways or even downwards). Some men are lucky and Peyronie’s disease is mild and does not interfere with their sex life. For other men it is disastrous and they cannot have sex again because the deformity is too severe.

Peyronie's disease

Whilst curvature is the most common form of deformity, some men experience a band all around their penis with a thinning where the band is. This is called an hourglass shape. Other men experience what looks like a dent in the side of the penis. There are also very severe cases when it completely curls around. Other men can experience a narrowing from top to bottom. The fibrous plaque can appear anywhere on the penis and can be near the top, just below where the penis glands are.

Some men only report a change in shape, whereas others report many other symptoms. Pain is the most common secondary symptom in the early stages, as the fibrous plaque embeds itself within the penis. It is like the pain from a scar or scab, but internal rather than external. A large proportion of men then go on to experience Erectile Dysfunction issues as the fibrous plaque and mini plaques within the millions of blood vessels, stop the blood flow that creates erections. And finally, many men start to lose sexual sensitivity. Peyronies Disease goes through different phases. The two phases are the acute phase when Peyronie’s Disease is forming and the chronic phase when all deformity has been completed.

A recent study showed that 90% of men who suffer from Peyronie’s Disease also suffer from depression. It is a very difficult condition for a man to come to terms with and not one that he can freely talk to friends and relatives about. How do you possibly start a conversation and say that your penis has become bent and you are no longer able to have sex? There are also relatively few resources around to help. One forum in the UK is www.peyroniesforum.co.uk which is a great starting point for new Peyronie’s Disease sufferers. But Peyronie’s disease is very common. Shockingly up to 10% of the world’s male population have Peyronie’s Disease, but very very few publicly talk about it. If you think you are suffering from it, seek treatment early on. Dealing with a small problem early is better than dealing with a large problem later on.

 A lot of men are puzzled as to why they develop Peyronie’s Disease.  Peyronie’s disease can afflict any man at any time, but it is much more common in men over the age of 50. For some men it is hereditary. Other men who suffer conditions like Diabetes, Prostate Cancer, and Dupuytren’s contracture are much more likely to develop Peyronie’s Disease, but the most popular cause is often injury. Injury can include an unfortunate sexual accident in the bedroom or a sporting accident where a man is hit in his most private parts.

So, if you think you have Peyronie’s Disease, where do you start and what is the best treatment? Treatments range from non-invasive, and non-surgical to having an operation on your penis. The general rule is to go non-invasive first unless you have an extremely severe deformity.

Recently, The European Association of Urology provided new guidelines for Peyronie’s treatment to include focused shockwave therapy, vacuum pumps, and PDE5 inhibitors (Tadalafil, etc). This process helps break down and remodel the plaque and also encourages constant blood flow to bring oxygen and nutrients throughout the affected areas to accelerate healing.

Also, where should you go? You have to be very careful. Shockwave technology ranges from a few thousand dollars to six-figure sums and technology that may be applied for beauty treatments or physio is simply not adequate to tackle this complex condition.

The most advanced clinic of its kind in Europe is Mansmatters. Mansmatters is in Central London a hundred meters away from the iconic Harrods department store and one kilometer away from Buckingham Palace. They have very advanced protocols and combine focused shockwave therapy with Electro Magnetic Transduction Therapy (EMTT) and Nano VI  Exo along with a tailored program of anti-fibrotic supplements, medications, and E-shot.

One further thought. Peyronie’s Disease is an extremely difficult condition that has challenged medical professionals for years. Currently, there is no guaranteed cure. The best non-invasive treatment works for approximately 60% of men. But others, have to make a decision to stay the way they are or go under the surgeon’s knife. There is an array of confusing information on the web. But remember that technology is moving at a very fast rate. So, an opinion written 10 or even 5 years ago is now superseded by advances in technology and treatment. However, if you are one of the unlucky ones that eventually need surgery, make sure you speak with an experienced Urologist who fully explains the risks and side effects.

Finally, If you have Peyronie’s Disease, don’t delay and suffer alone. Seek professional help!

Charles Turner

Joint Managing Partner _ Mansmatters
Charles spent many years as a Management Consultant with a range of international medical companies.
He is responsible for clinical excellence and Peyronie’s Disease & Erectile Dysfunction development programs.

About Dr. Alamgir Hossain Shemul 94 Articles
Passionate about Child Health and Well Being. MD Resident of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology in BSMMU. Passed MBBS from Rajshahi Medical College. Completed FCPS Part 1 in Paediatrics. Ex-Honorary Medical Officer at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and NICU Medical officer at Anwer Khan Modern Hospital, Dhaka.

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