If you have a curve larger than 90° in your penis, consider getting surgical correction. If you’re worried about pain from the injection, ask your doctor to numb the area before giving you the shot. Collagenase injections work best when they’re used together with “modeling. ” During a modeling treatment, your doctor will carefully bend your penis in the opposite direction of the curve caused by the plaque. You may need to receive several injections and modeling sessions before you get the desired results. [4] X Research source
Verapamil has the advantage of being less costly than some other treatment options. [6] X Research source Verapamil also has relatively few side effects, so it is considered a safe treatment for Peyronie’s disease. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Possible side effects include pain, swelling, bruising, nausea, and dizziness. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Ask your doctor if they can numb the area before giving you the injection.
The most common side effects of interferon injections include pain, swelling, bruising, and flu-like symptoms (such as fever, chills, tiredness, and muscle aches). [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source As with other types of injected medications, your doctor will probably be able to numb the area before giving you the injection.
Pentoxifylline, an anti-inflammatory medication that may help reduce the amount of scar tissue in your penis and is usually the first line of oral therapy. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Vitamin E, which may help shrink the plaques and straighten your penis, though it is not shown to be more effective than other treatments. Potassium amino-benzoate, a form of vitamin B which may help reduce the size of plaques associated with Peyronie’s disease. However, it does not help reduce the curve. Tamoxifen, a type of anti-estrogen drug that may help break down the scar tissue in the plaques. Colchicine paired with vitamin E and ibuprofen has also been shown to improve plaque size. Carnitine, an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and promote better healing of damaged tissues.
Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications or supplements before taking pain medications. They can help you avoid potentially harmful drug interactions.
You have a severe bend in your penis or your condition prevents you from having sex You’ve had Peyronie’s disease for at least a year The curvature of your penis has stopped increasing and has been stable for at least 6 months You’ve been pain-free for at least 9-12 months[15] X Research source
This type of procedure is relatively safe, but it may cause your penis to appear shorter. You may be a good candidate for this kind of surgery if you have little or no erectile dysfunction, your penis is mildly to moderately curved, and your penis is long.
This procedure could cause your erectile dysfunction to become worse. Talk to your doctor or surgeon about the potential risks and benefits of this surgery.
Common implant options include an inflatable pump or silicone rods that can be molded into the desired shape.
In most cases, you’ll need to wait a few days before you can resume regular activities, like going to work or school. You may need to wait up to 8 weeks after surgery before doing any kind of sexual activity. You’ll probably feel some pain for a few weeks after the surgery, but your doctor can prescribe pain medications to help you feel better. Always take any medications exactly as directed by your doctor.
Your doctor may recommend using a mechanical device to help stretch your penis rather than doing it by hand. [21] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Some penile stretching treatments work best in combination with other therapies, such as injections of medication. Penile traction therapy for 2–8 hours a day for 6 months could also help reduce the curvature. You may also need to manage the curvature with medications.
It’s not yet clear how well this treatment works as a therapy for Peyronie’s disease.
Radiation therapy, which may be especially helpful for reducing pain[24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Ultrasound therapy, which may help reduce curvature, shrink the plaques, and also relieve pain[25] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Shock wave therapy, in which sound waves are used to break up the plaques and reduce pain. There may be potential side effects, like penile fibrosis, scarring, or erectile dysfunction, but there have not been many long-term studies done.
These plaques typically form along the top of the penis, although they can also form along the sides or go all the way around the shaft. [27] X Research source
The bottleneck or hourglass effect can happen if the plaques go all the way around your penis. If you have multiple plaques, your penis may bend or curve in different places. If the curve is severe, you might find it difficult to have sex.
In some cases, you might feel pain when you have an erection.
Shortening typically happens when the scars extend all the way around the shaft of your penis. [32] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source