Depending on how severely a man is affected by the progression of Peyronie’s disease may determine whether he will have trouble urinating. The shape of the penis may pose some difficulty in urinating while standing, or play a role in the trajectory of waste. However, there is little evidence from medical journals and scientific research supporting that every patient will encounter this issue.
Peyronie’s disease is when scar tissue in the penis, called plaque, causes the organ to develop into an abnormal shape that impedes sexual intercourse. This condition can only be diagnosed by a medical professional who, after performing a physical examination, will determine if the penis is curved or bent enough to pose problems. While this disease is not life-threatening, patients struggling with this illness likely suffer from psychological distress as a result.
There is no cure for Peyronie’s disease, yet there are many treatments on the market that seek to alleviate its symptoms. A treatment called GAINSWave® therapy is a viable procedure that relieves symptoms related to Peyronie’s disease.
Peyronie’s Disease, Scar Tissue, and Urination
Researchers believe that the primary cause of Peyronie’s disease is some form of injury, either from a traumatic incident or from pressure over time. To repair the damage, the penis will form hard scar tissue that, in turn, reduces its elasticity and size. However, some men with this condition are unable to recall any injury that caused their illness.
While researchers believe the disease is primarily caused by injury, it is also associated with:
- Prostate cancer surgery
- Autoimmune disorders
- Genetics
- Age
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Peyronie’s disease can be characterized by small lumps beneath the skin of the penis. While the University of Utah says that these nodules aren’t cancerous, they can still affect a man’s ability to maintain an erection firm enough for sex. The same source notes that 4% to 13% of the male population currently struggles with this condition. However, because of the social stigma that comes with reporting, this data is likely to be significantly higher.
Research from the University of Melbourne suggests that penis shape and size rarely plays a role in urination and fertility, even for those with Peyronie’s disease. Although the condition does present a challenge to sexual intercourse, sperm count and the urinary tract remain unaffected. If a man is having difficulty urinating, and has received a Peyronie’s disease diagnosis, he should seek further advice from a medical professional to determine the underlying cause. The issue could be related to anything from a urinary tract infection to prostate cancer.
Peyronie’s Disease Can Cause Psychological Problems
A study from Translational Andrology and Urology notes that men with Peyronie’s disease often experience high levels of emotional distress. From their research, they were able to determine that 80% of men with this diagnosis suffer from depressive symptoms that stem from social isolation and dysphoria. The Journal of General Internal Medicine presented similar findings, stating that men with any form of erectile dysfunction often reported low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and sexual relationship dissatisfaction.
The vast number of men who underreport instances of Peyronie’s disease raises questions about how many of these men seek medical attention for their co-occurring mental illnesses. While Peyronie’s disease isn’t fatal, the psychological consequences relating to mental distress can have a serious impact on how a man lives his life.
GAINSWave® Therapy Can Help Treat Peyronie’s Disease
GAINSWave® therapy is changing the way medical professionals view men’s sexual health. By utilizing high-frequency, low-intensity soundwaves, extracorporeal shockwave therapy seeks to break down penile scar tissue and encourage blood flow to the affected areas. This noninvasive procedure generally takes less than 30 minutes and is performed in-office by a trained caregiver. According to the University of Queensland, research showed that in their test group, 80% of men reported being satisfied with their results following shockwave therapy. No adverse side effects were reported during the experiment. The Korean Journal of Urology found similar findings, noting that 70% of men were pleased with their results. Previously, two-thirds of these participants had found oral medication to be ineffective, yet were able to see marked improvements as a result of this treatment.
GAINSWave® therapy has proven success and boasts a high satisfaction rate for men who complete the full procedure.
There is no need to suffer through a lifetime of being defined by Peyronie’s disease. Science and technology are providing many options for treating issues relating to erectile dysfunction.
For more information, contact a GAINSWave® therapy provider today.
