Peyronie’s Disease Treatment in Topeka, KS
What is Peyronie’s Disease?
When scar tissue develops under the skin of the penis due to trauma or minor injury, Peyronie’s disease may occur. As the scar tissue forms the penis may become bent or indented during an erection, which can cause increased pain.
Dr. Brad Rupp is a board-certified urologist with over 28 years of experience diagnosing and treating patients throughout the Topeka area for men’s health conditions including Peyronie’s disease. Call (785) 354-7877 to schedule an appointment at our urology office in Topeka, Leavenworth, or Emporia today!
What are the Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease?
Because Peyronie’s disease will have effects that are both tangible and visible, the symptoms are commonly noticeable to the naked eye. In over 70% of cases, the scar tissue will develop on the top of the penis causing it to bend upwards during an erection. If the scar tissues develop on the bottom or side of the penis, it will bend downward or sideways 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 experiencing Peyronie’s disease:
- Pain during sex, or pain during an erection.
- Hard spots or lumps in the penis.
- Bends or curves in the penis.
- Narrowing or shortening of the penis.
What Causes Peyronies Disease?
Most often, Peyronie’s disease is caused by injury to the penis due to sports 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.
Because the chances of getting Peyronie’s disease increases with age due to changes in the elasticity of the penis, 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 have a higher chance of developing it over their lifetime.
How is Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosed?
With or without an erection, Peyronie’s disease can most often be diagnosed in a physical exam. If scar tissue is felt, you may be given an injectable drug to create an erection and check how your penis curves or narrows. In addition, an ultrasound or X-ray may be ordered to get an accurate location of the buildup of scar tissue. This will allow for a proper treatment plan to be designed by Dr. Rupp at his Topeka office.
How is Peyronie’s Disease Treated in Kansas?
Dr. Rupp’s overall goal of treatment is to reduce pain and strengthen the ability to have intercourse. If you are not experiencing pain and having very little issues with penile curvature, you may not need treatment until the symptoms progress. In a few cases, the disease will resolve itself without any treatment.
Because there is a risk of erectile dysfunction associated with Peyronie’s disease, you may get recommended a change in lifestyle. This can include decreasing the amount of vigorous sexual activity or aggressive sports and quitting any smoking, illegal drugs, or alcohol consumption.
Nonsurgical Treatments
With medications and therapies, Peyronie’s disease can be effectively managed over time, pending the severity. Your urologist may prescribe a series of medications that may help inflammation or development of scar tissue. These treatments can include:
- Steroid Injections
- Vitamin E
- Colchicine
- Collagenase Injections
These treatments must be discussed with your urologist prior, as they will be highly dependent on other health factors
Surgical Treatments
If you are experiencing severe issues with penile curvature or pain, surgery may be recommended. The types 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 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 urologist to confirm that they are okay to use in your specific situation.
Is Peyronie’s Disease Permanent?
Yes, in most cases. Peyronie’s disease is usually a permanent condition but can be improved using a variety of recommended treatments. Contact Dr. Rupp to learn more about these specific treatments.
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.
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.
Peyronie’s Disease Treatment in Topeka, KS
If you are experiencing issues with Peyronie’s disease, contact Brad Rupp, MD today at (785) 354-7877 to determine which treatment option is right for you. Dr. Rupp is Topeka, Leavenworth, and Emporia’s leader in men’s health. He will take the time to fully assess your symptoms in order to determine the treatment option that is right for you.