What is Peyronie's Disease and How Can Penile Traction
Devices Help Treat It?
Peyronie’s Disease (PD) is a little-known medical condition that can cause significant distress for men who suffer from it. It is a condition that causes a curvature of the penis, making sexual intercourse difficult or even impossible. In some cases, Peyronie’s Disease can also lead to erectile dysfunction (ED), which can further exacerbate the problem.
While various treatments are available, penile traction devices have become an increasingly popular solution. In this blog, we will explore what Peyronie’s Disease is, what causes it, what the symptoms are, how penile traction devices can help treat it, and how psychological factors can impact erectile function.
Peyronie’s Disease (PD) is a little-known medical condition that can cause significant distress for men who suffer from it. It is a condition that causes a curvature of the penis, making sexual intercourse difficult or even impossible. In some cases, Peyronie’s Disease can also lead to erectile dysfunction (ED), which can further exacerbate the problem.
While various treatments are available, penile traction devices have become an increasingly popular solution. In this blog, we will explore what Peyronie’s Disease is, what causes it, what the symptoms are, how penile traction devices can help treat it, and how psychological factors can impact erectile function.
Understanding Peryonie’s Disease
Peyronie’s Disease is a noncancerous condition resulting from fibrous scar tissue that develops within the erectile chambers of the penis, which can cause curving and pain during an erection. The curvature can vary in severity and lead to difficulty during sexual intercourse, including erectile dysfunction (ED).
Impacting Factors of Peryonie’s Disease
- High blood pressure and vascular disease: High blood pressure, heart disease, or other cardiovascular disease can cause Peyronie’s Disease by reducing blood flow to the penis and causing damage to the tissue.
- Dysfunction in Pelvic floor muscles: Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can cause Peyronie’s Disease by contributing to penile curvature and pain during erections.
- Trauma or injury to the penis: Trauma or damage to the penis can cause Peyronie’s Disease by creating scar tissue that affects the shape and function of the penis.
- Genes: Genetic predisposition may play a role in developing Peyronie’s Disease.
- Digestive and kidney diseases: Digestive and kidney conditions may contribute to Peyronie’s Disease by causing inflammation and damage to the tissue of the penis.
- Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer may increase the risk of developing Peyronie’s Disease due to the treatments used to manage cancer, such as radiation therapy or surgery.
- Low testosterone levels: Low testosterone levels may lead to Peyronie’s Disease by contributing to erectile dysfunction and reducing blood flow to the penis.
- Use of illegal or recreational drugs: Alcohol abuse and recreational or illicit drugs may contribute to Peyronie’s Disease by reducing blood flow to the penis, causing tissue damage.
- Certain prescription medications: Certain medications may cause Peyronie’s Disease as a side effect.
- Psychological factors: Psychological factors such as performance anxiety or relationship problems may contribute to Peyronie’s Disease by causing stress and tension in the body, leading to inflammation and scarring of the penile tissue.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
- A curve or bend in the penis during an erection: This is the most common symptom of Peyronie’s Disease and can be mild or severe.
- Pain or discomfort during an erection: Men with Peyronie’s Disease may experience pain or discomfort during an erection. This pain can be mild or severe and may occur at the site of the fibrous scar tissue.
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection: Peyronie’s Disease can cause erectile dysfunction, which can be due to the buildup of scar tissue blocking penile blood flow, making it more challenging to achieve an erection.
- Abnormal bumps on the penis: Peyronie’s Disease can cause the formation of lumps or thickened areas on the penis.
- Premature ejaculation: The curvature or bending of the penis can cause a buildup of tension during sexual intercourse, leading to premature ejaculation.
Overall, Peyronie’s Disease can make it difficult to achieve satisfactory sexual performance due to the curvature or bending of the penis, pain or discomfort during an erection, erectile dysfunction, reduced penile blood flow, and premature ejaculation.
What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Like Peyronie’s Disease, erectile dysfunction is a common male sexual dysfunction that affects men of all ages. It is the erectile failure or inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Various physical or psychological factors can cause ED and can also be a side effect of certain medications.
Causes of erectile dysfunction include:
- Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer treatment, such as prostate surgery or radiation therapy, may cause erectile dysfunction.
- Relationship Problems: Relationship problems or stress can contribute to erectile dysfunction, especially when the problem is related to sexual performance.
- Performance Anxiety: Erectile dysfunction can be caused by anxiety related to sexual performance.
- Sexual Arousal: Erectile dysfunction can occur if there is a lack of sexual arousal, which can be caused by physical or psychological factors.
- Blood Supply: Erectile dysfunction can develop by a decrease in blood supply to the penis, which can be due to conditions such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
- Medications: Certain prescription medications, including antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect.
How are ED and PD Related?
While Peyronie’s Disease and Erectile dysfunction are two different conditions, there are links between them.
- PD can cause ED: The curvature of the penis in PD can make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection, leading to ED.
- PD can be a side effect of ED treatment: In some cases, PD can develop due to ED treatment, such as penile injections or surgery.
- Psychological factors: Both ED and PD can cause significant psychological distress, which can exacerbate each other.
How Peyronie’s Disease Can Affect Sexual Intercourse
Peyronie’s Disease can significantly impact sexual intercourse by causing the penis to curve or bend unnaturally during an erection, making sexual intercourse painful, uncomfortable, or even impossible. It can also lead to various sexual dysfunction problems, including erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and difficulties with sexual performance.
Impact of Peyronie’s Disease on Self-Esteem and Mental Health
Peyronie’s Disease can have a significant impact on self-esteem and mental health. Men who experience this condition may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or self-conscious about their bodies, leading to depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. They may also avoid sexual activity altogether, which can further impact their mental health and well-being.
Men who experience this condition should speak with a health professional to explore treatment options that can help improve their sexual function and overall quality of life.
Diagnosing Peyronie’s Disease
To diagnose PD, a health professional will typically perform a physical examination, take a medical history and sexual history, and perform blood tests to check for underlying medical conditions that may contribute to PD. Treatment options for this condition may include medications, surgery, or sex therapy to help improve sexual function and satisfaction.
Treatment Options for Peyronie’s Disease
Medication and Surgery as Traditional Treatment Options
- Prescription Medication: Oral medications such as potassium amino acid compounds, vitamin E, and colchicine may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation and to prevent the progression of the condition.
- Penile Injections: Penile injections of verapamil, interferon alpha-2b, or collagenase can help to break down the plaque and reduce curvature.
- Surgery: Surgery may be recommended if the curvature is severe and causes erectile dysfunction. Surgical treatment options include penile implant, plaque incision, and grafting or plication to straighten the penis.
Penile Implant
A penile implant, or an inflatable penile prosthesis, is a medical device used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms that don’t respond to other treatments. This device consists of two inflatable cylinders placed in the penis, a pump placed in the scrotum, and a reservoir implanted in the abdomen. When the pump is squeezed, the cylinders fill with fluid from the reservoir, causing an erection.
Although penile implants are generally safe, they do carry some risks, such as infection or device failure. This treatment is not recommended for men with certain underlying health conditions or health problems. However, for those with severe ED symptoms and Peyronie’s Disease, a penile implant can effectively treat ED and improve sexual function.
Penile Traction Devices (PTDS)
PTDs work by applying a non-invasive, gentle, and constant stretch to the penis, which can help to break down the scar tissue that causes Peyronie’s Disease. As the PTDs apply traction, they stimulate the production of new tissue, which can help to straighten the penis over time.
Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease: Penile Traction Devices
Penile traction devices are non-invasive medical devices that use a gentle, constant stretch to straighten the penis and reduce the curvature caused by Peyronie’s Disease. The device consists of a base ring placed at the base of the penis and a traction rod that applies gentle and continuous stretching force to the penis.
The length and intensity of the stretching force can be adjusted as needed. By using the device consistently over several months, the tissue may gradually stretch and increase in length.
PTDs promote:
- Increased blood flow to the penis: The gentle stretch created by PTDs helps to increase blood flow to the penis, which can improve erectile function and reduce the symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease.
- Stretching of the penis: By stretching the penis, PTDs help to reduce curvature and straighten the penis. Over time, this can help to reduce pain and improve sexual function.
- Stimulation of new tissue growth: PTDs stimulate the production of new tissue, which can help to break down the scar tissue that causes Peyronie’s Disease. This can help to reduce curvature and improve erectile function.
PTDs have been shown to be effective in treating Peyronie’s Disease. Studies have found that patients who used PTDs experienced significant improvement in penile curvature, length, and girth¹. It has also been established that Penile Traction Therapy presents as safe and well-tolerated by patients².
However, they should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as incorrect use can cause injury to the penis. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment option for your individual needs, as other treatments, such as medication or surgery, may be necessary for more severe cases of Peyronie’s Disease.
How Penile Traction Devices Work to Treat Peyronie’s Disease
PTDs work by applying a gentle, constant stretch to the penis, which can help to break down the scar tissue that causes Peyronie’s disease. As the PTDs apply traction, they stimulate the production of new tissue, which can help to straighten the penis over time.
PTDs work by:
- Increasing blood flow to the penis: The gentle stretch created by PTDs helps to increase blood flow to the penis, which can improve erectile function and reduce the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease.
- Stretching the penis: By stretching the penis, PTDs help to reduce curvature and straighten the penis. Over time, this can help to reduce pain and improve sexual function.
- Stimulating new tissue growth: PTDs stimulate the production of new tissue, which can help to break down the scar tissue that causes Peyronie’s disease. This can help to reduce curvature and improve erectile function.
The use of PTDs has been shown to be effective in treating Peyronie’s disease. Studies have found that patients who used PTDs experienced significant improvement in penile curvature, length, and girth. Furthermore, the use of PTDs was found to be safe and well-tolerated by patients.
However, they should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as incorrect use can cause injury to the penis. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment option for your individual needs, as other treatments such as medication or surgery may be necessary for more severe cases of Peyronie’s disease.
Benefits of Penile Traction Devices for Peyronie’s Disease
The use of PTDs can be highly effective in the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease. They can improve blood flow to the penis, reduce curvature, increase length, treat erectile dysfunction, prevent the development of Peyronie’s Disease in men with high blood pressure, and increase sexual satisfaction and confidence. While several treatment options are available for Peyronie’s Disease, PTDs have emerged as one of the most effective and convenient options.
PTDs can be beneficial for Peyronie’s Disease by improving blood flow to the penis. Peyronie’s Disease can cause the development of scar tissue within the penis, which can lead to reduced blood flow. When the penis is placed under traction, it stretches the tissues within the penis, which can help to increase blood flow. Improved blood flow to the penis can lead to better erectile function, improved sensitivity, and increased sexual pleasure.
Another significant benefit of PTDs is their ability to reduce curvature and lengthen the penis. When the penis is under traction, it stretches the fibrous tissue that has formed, which can help to reduce the curvature of the penis. Over time, using PTDs can lead to a significant reduction in curvature and an increase in the length of the penis. This can significantly impact a man’s self-esteem and sexual function.
Studies have shown that the use of PTDs can significantly reduce curvature and increase the length of the penis, which is considered to contribute to patient satisfaction³. PTDs are also non-invasive and do not require surgery, making them a more attractive option for many men. Other treatment options, such as surgery, require a significant recovery period and come with potential risks and complications.
PTDs are cost-effective and convenient compared to other treatment options, such as surgery.
PTDs can also be used in the privacy of one’s home, which can be particularly appealing for men who may be uncomfortable discussing their condition with their doctor or undergoing invasive medical procedures.
PTDs can also be effective in treating erectile dysfunction. When the penis is placed under traction, it can improve blood flow to the penis, which can help to improve erectile function.
Men with high blood pressure are at an increased risk of developing Peyronie’s Disease. However, using PTDs can help prevent the development of Peyronie’s Disease in men with high blood pressure.
By improving blood flow to the penis, PTDs can help prevent the formation of fibrous tissue within the penis, leading to Peyronie’s Disease.
Finally, using PTDs can increase sexual satisfaction and confidence in sexual performance. Through improved blood flow, erectile function can improve and may alleviate pain during an erection or intercourse and premature ejaculation. Additionally, when the curvature of the penis is reduced and the length and girth are increased, men may feel more confident and satisfied with their sexual performance.
As psychology can impact erectile function, this reduced anxiety and improved self-confidence can also positively affect erectile function and sexual satisfaction. This can be particularly beneficial for men experiencing both Peyronie’s Disease and erectile dysfunction.
Penile Traction Devices: A Promising Option for Peyronie’s Disease Treatment
Peyronie’s Disease can be a frustrating and embarrassing condition for men, but penile traction devices offer a promising non-surgical treatment option. With proper use, these devices can help reduce penile curvature and restore sexual function. However, it’s important to note that the use of PTDs should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional, and results may vary from person to person; it may take several months of consistent use before significant improvements are seen. When considering the use of PTDs, you might also like to consider other factors contributing to Peyronie’s Disease. Lifestyle factors like smoking, heavy drinking and high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing Peyronie’s Disease. Making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight, can also be beneficial in treating Peyronie’s Disease. When choosing a device, looking for high-quality products and reliable customer support is essential. Endo Personal Care supplies exceptional customer service and innovative medical products clinically proven to show improvements. If you’re interested in learning more about penile traction devices or other solutions for erectile dysfunction, browse our range of penile traction devices or contact the team. Take charge of your sexual health today and find the support you need with Endo Personal Care.
References:
¹ Levine, Laurence A., et al. “Penile Traction Therapy for Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease: A Single-Center Pilot Study.” The Journal of Sexual Medicine, vol. 5, no. 6, 1 June 2008, pp. 1468–1473, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18373527/, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00814.x. Accessed 31 Aug. 2023.
² Chung, Eric, and Gerald Brock. “Penile Traction Therapy and Peyronie’s Disease: A State of Art Review of the Current Literature.” Therapeutic Advances in Urology, vol. 5, no. 1, Aug. 2012, pp. 59–65, https://doi.org/10.1177/1756287212454932. Accessed 5 Nov. 2019.