While low testosterone itself cannot cause Peyronie’s disease (PD), hormone levels can affect penile rigidity, which can cause injury to the penis during sexual intercourse. Low testosterone levels can impact a man’s ability to maintain an erection firm enough for sex. If a man attempts intercourse with a soft organ, he’s placing himself at a higher likelihood of injury that can result in the creation of scar tissue.
Peyronie’s disease is caused by trauma to the penis that can happen during one significant event or over time due to repeated pressure. According to the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC), the healing process overcompensates, and excess scar tissue (or plaque) forms in the penis, creating a curvature of the penis that is most notable during an erection. This can make it difficult to engage in sexual activity or conceive a child.
There’s no way to prevent or cure PD disease. However, there are treatments available to help reduce symptoms.
Physical Symptoms of PD Disease
According to Harvard Health Publishing, it’s quite common for men to have a slight curve in the penis. Yet, if penile shape causes painful erections or impedes sexual performance, medical intervention may be necessary. The Urology Care Foundation notes that the earlier this condition is found; the more effective treatment may prove in alleviating its symptoms.
Signs of this illness may include:
- Lumps in the penis
- Painful erections
- Inability to maintain an erection
- Abnormal penile shape
- A shortening of the penis
- Inability to achieve orgasm
The University of Utah notes that those who are most likely to develop PD are men who are approaching middle age, usually at around 55 years old.
PD Has Two Phases of Development
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes PD as having two phases.
They include:
- The acute phase. During this period, for whatever reason, plaque forms in the penile tissue, leading to a decrease in blood flow and change in form. Lasting for up to 18 months, a man may notice painful erections and inflammation of the affected area.
- The chronic phase. This occurs after the scar tissue has formed. At this stage, the condition usually stabilizes, preventing the worsening of the disease. However, it is at this point where engaging in sexual activity becomes increasingly difficult.
According to NIDDK, about one in 10 men are afflicted with Peyronie’s. It’s suspected that because of the shame associated with speaking to a doctor about sexual health, this statistic may be much higher.
Only a Medical Professional Can Diagnose Peyronie’s
The University of Utah reports that most men initially seek medical advice for PD because they suspect that the growths on their penis are cancerous. While these lumps are benign, a caregiver will still need to perform a variety of tests to rule out this possibility. These may include x-rays, ultrasounds, or physical examinations. A doctor may inject the penis to induce an erection that will give them a better idea of the extent of penile damage and scar tissue.
A caregiver may also do blood work to check for any underlying conditions that may be playing a role in a patient’s PD diagnosis. If it is found that a man has low testosterone levels, this causes difficulty in maintaining an erection. Attempting to use a penis that’s not firm enough for penetrative sex can increase the likelihood of a penile injury, which can cause the formation of scar tissue that results in PD. This imbalance can be addressed with hormone replacement therapy.
Current Therapies and Treatments for Peyronie’s Disease
Recent reports from the AJMC indicate the standard of care for patients with PD still involves the use of male enhancement pills, such as VIAGRA®, to help a man get an erection. Yet this doesn’t reduce the amount of penile scar tissue or straighten the curved penis.
Other types of Peyronie’s disease treatment include:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Surgery
- Psychological services
- Injections
- Assistive equipment, such as a vacuum device
The effectiveness of these treatments depends on a man’s stage of life, overall health condition, and lifestyle. These factors make it so there’s not only one treatment to address Peyronie’s symptoms. Only a medical professional can determine what regimen can help an individual.
Try GAINSWave® Therapy to Treat PD
A rapidly emerging treatment that is designed to treat Peyronie’s disease is GAINSWave®, a cutting-edge therapy that uses high-frequency, low-intensity soundwaves to break down penile scar tissue. This technology seeks to activate the growth of penile tissue and restore blood flow needed to sustain an erection. GAINSWave® therapy is based on a series of over 30 clinical studies and has a success rate of over 75% in treating erectile dysfunction.
After receiving GAINSWave® therapy, some men have reported:
- Stronger, longer-lasting erections
- More frequent spontaneous intimacy
- Better orgasms
- Higher libido
- Increased sexual stamina
- Increased penile sensation
- Improved sexual performance
Thousands of men have received their full sexual potential after receiving GAINSWave® treatment. According to the Korean Journal of Urology, this therapy was able to reduce penile scar tissue by 60%. It was also able to straighten the penis by 15 degrees in 33% of men. No side effects were reported in the course of this study, and 70% of participants said that they would recommend their regimen to others.
A similar study from the University of Queensland presented similar findings, noting that “most patients were satisfied,” and 80% of clients said they would suggest the treatment to others.
For more information, find a GAINSWave® treatment provider today.
