Cleveland Clinic lists Peyronie’s disease genetics as a risk factor in some cases. While an injury to the penis accounts for the primary cause of this condition, heredity may play a factor in some cases.
Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a painful condition that can result in erectile dysfunction (ED). Although no cure currently exists, treatment options are available, such as oral medications, surgery, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
Learn About PD Causes
Reviews in Urology suggests that one of the main causes of Peyronie’s disease is an injury to the penis that either happened in a sudden traumatic event or slowly over time. To remedy itself, the penis will develop scar tissue, or plaque, to aid with the healing process. However, this causes the organ to lose elasticity and take on an abnormal shape, usually a severe curve or bend. This development can be painful and impede sexual intercourse.
This disease primarily affects men between the ages of 50 and 60, occurring only rarely in younger men, according to Mayo Clinic. A study from Sexual Medicine Reviews notes that certain genetic material may contribute to a man’s development of PD disease, although this research is still in its infancy.
In addition to genetics and age, other risk factors for Peyronie’s include:
- Connective tissue disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- A history of smoking
- Diabetes
- Previous surgeries for prostate cancer
Reviews in Urology notes that penile deformity generally stabilizes after 12 months.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
Anytime a man notices changes in the appearance or texture of his penis, he should immediately seek medical attention. Only a medical professional can properly diagnose PD and recommend an effective course of treatment.
The following symptoms are often associated with this condition:
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Lumps of scar tissue under the skin of the penis
- The bending or curving of the penis
- Painful erections
A doctor can diagnose the condition by performing a physical examination to study changes in the penile area. They may also conduct additional tests to check for any underlying causes, such as diabetes or hypertension, that may be contributing to the disease’s severity.
Peyronie’s Disease Can Cause Psychological Distress
While Peyronie’s is not considered to be life-threatening, it can cause significant psychological distress to those affected. Translational Andrology and Urology note that in one of their studies, 50% of men living with PD disease reported severe depressive symptoms. In this same study, 50% of men also said that their condition had significantly impacted the quality of their romantic relationships. Although there is no cure for this disease, there is an emerging treatment that is changing the way researchers understand men’s health.
Why GAINSWave® Treatment is a Viable Option
Extracorporeal shockwave treatment, or GAINSWave® therapy, is a safe and easy procedure that uses high frequency, low-intensity soundwaves to break down penile scar tissue. In doing so, the treatment seeks to reduce the penile curve and boost sexual performance.
Clinical studies from the Korean Journal of Urology conducted experiments regarding the effectiveness of this therapy. In their test group, 33% of men saw more than a 15-degree change in the shape of their penis, while another 60% reported improvements in scar hardness. There were no adverse side effects noted, and after the experiment, 80% of participants said they would recommend the acoustic shockwave therapy to others.
A study from Therapeutic Advances in Urology also notes a significant improvement in erectile function and penile hemodynamics in patients who underwent the therapy. The study also found that no adverse side effects occurred following the procedure.
GAINSWave® therapy is a relatively short treatment that takes less than 30 minutes to complete.
The goal is to:
- Break down scar tissue
- Improve blood flow
- Stimulate the growth of new blood vessels
Additional benefits may include increased sensation in the penis, more spontaneous erections, and better orgasms.
Contact a GAINSWave® Therapy Provider Near You Today
GAINSWave® therapy treats Peyronie’s disease without surgery or expensive medications. A benefit of extracorporeal shockwave therapy is that it’s a painless procedure. It also proves convenient for many men since it’s an in-office procedure that they can easily schedule into their workweek.
GAINSWave® therapy presents a non-invasive treatment option that can change the way that a man with Peyronie’s experiences sex. Many men suffering from this condition may be experiencing feelings of hopelessness, depression, and even anger. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. As the dawn of a new decade begins, there is no need to settle for an unsatisfactory sex life. For more information on the benefits of GAINSWave® therapy, contact a provider today.
