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Peyronies-certainly treatable if you consult your doctor today
Introduction
Of all the causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) that
we can think of Peyronie’s disease is one of them.
Like any other causes of ED that cause trouble in paradise
Peyronies is no exception. However a little knowledge
and awareness in those who suffer from ED can help bringing
respite to the persisting problem of ED. Let’s
study a little more to treat the subject with a scientific
approach.
What is Peyronies?
Peyronie's disease (also known as fibrous cavernositis)
is an acquired inflammatory condition of the penis.
It is the formation of a plaque or hardened scar tissue
beneath the skin of the penis. This scarring is non-cancerous,
but often leads to painful erection and curvature of
the erect penis (a "crooked penis"). This
condition is treatable through medication and, sometimes,
through surgery.
Are there any symptoms of Peyronies?
This scarring, or plaque, typically develops on the
upper side of the penis (dorsum). It reduces the elasticity
of the tunica albuginea in that area and, as a result,
causes the penis to bend upward during an erection.
Although Peyronie's plaque is most commonly located
on the top of the penis, it may occur on the underside
or on the lateral side of the penis, causing a downward
or lateral bend. Some patients may even develop a plaque
that goes all the way around the penis, causing a "waisting"
or "bottleneck" deformity of the penile shaft.
The majority of patients complain of generalized shrinkage
or shortening of their penis.
Painful erections and difficulty with intercourse usually
lead men with Peyronie's
disease to seek medical help. Since there is great variability
in this condition, sufferers may complain of any combination
of symptoms: Penile curvature, obvious penile plaques,
painful erection and diminished ability to achieve an
erection.
Any of those physical deformities make Peyronie's disease
a quality-of-life issue. Not surprising, it is linked
to erectile dysfunction in 20 to 40 percent of sufferers.
While studies have shown that 77 percent of men demonstrate
significant psychological effects, the numbers, medical
researchers believe, are under reported. Instead, many
men affected with this truly devastating condition suffer
in silence.
How frequently does Peyronies occur?
Peyronie's disease affects a reported one to 3.7 percent
(about one to four in 100) of males between ages 40
and 70, even though severe cases have been reported
in younger men. Medical researchers believe the actual
prevalence may be higher due to patient embarrassment
and limited reporting by physicians. Since the introduction
of sildenafil citrate, an oral therapy for impotence,
doctors have reported increased incidence of Peyronie's
cases. With more men being treated successfully for
erectile dysfunction in the future, an increasing number
of cases presenting to urologists are anticipated.
How is Peyronies treated?
Because Peyronie's disease is a wound-healing disorder,
changes are constantly occurring in the early stages.
In fact, this disease can be classified into two stages:
1) an acute inflammatory phase persisting for six to
18 months during which men experience pain, slight penile
curvature and nodule formations and 2) a chronic phase
during which men develop a stable plaque, significant
penile curvature and erectile dysfunction.
Occasionally the condition regresses spontaneously with
symptoms resolving themselves. In fact, some studies
show that approximately 13 percent of patients have
complete resolution of their plaques within a year.
There is no change in 40 percent of cases, with progression
or worsening of symptoms in 40 to 45 percent. For these
reasons, most physicians recommend a non-surgical approach
for the first 12 months.
Conclusion
The cause of Peyronies is not certain. However, Peyronies
is not cancerous and certainly treatable under an expert
doctor’s guidance. The treatment is unlike popping
in oral ED prescription drugs like Viagra or Cialis-this
is because a problem is often wound-healing and gets
cured in 6 month’s time. If not, then one should
consult a doctor and not distress male sexual health
to endure further pain.
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