Is Surgery the Best Way to Cure My Peyronie's Disease?

If you’re one of the millions of men dealing with Peyronie’s disease, the road to recovery can seem scary, especially when you’re worried about surgery. This condition, characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside your penis, causes curved, painful erections. 

The good news is that you have options when it comes to restoring your health. Our board-certified providers at Urology Associates Medical Group in Burbank, California, offer a range of therapies, from noninvasive treatments to more involved surgical approaches.

Keep reading to learn which treatment options could be the best way to cure your Peyronie’s disease.  

Starting with oral medications and topical therapies

The least invasive methods of treatment, oral medications and topical therapies, can sometimes reduce the symptoms of Peyronie's disease. 

Oral medications seek to both help manage pain and slow the development of scar tissue. Topical therapies, which you apply directly to your penis, attempt to soften the hardened tissue that causes curvature and pain.

While these approaches are noninvasive, their effectiveness can vary widely. Generally speaking, these therapies are more successful in managing symptoms rather than curing the condition.

Moving on to traction and stretching devices

After oral mediations and topical treatments, the next least-invasive therapy involves traction and mechanical stretching devices.

You can use these devices at home to reduce the curvature and length loss associated with Peyronie's disease. They gently stretch your penis, potentially reducing the bend over time and improving function. 

Although patience and consistent use are required, these devices offer a nonsurgical option that many find beneficial before considering more invasive treatments.

Considering injectable therapies

If more conservative treatments don't provide sufficient relief, we might suggest injections directly into the penile plaque. Injectable medications can break down the buildup of collagen that’s causing the curvature. 

This therapy requires multiple sessions and is most effective for moderate curvatures and specific types of plaque. It's a more direct approach than oral or topical treatments but less invasive than surgery.

We review your specific case to let you know if this type of treatment could work for you. 

When surgery is the right choice

When noninvasive treatments fail to give you the results you need, or if the disease progresses to a severe stage, surgery might be your best option. Several surgical techniques exist, each suited to different severities and characteristics of Peyronie's disease.

Here’s a look at some of the common surgical approaches and what’s involved:

Shortening procedures

These techniques involve shortening the side of your penis that doesn't have scar tissue. The goal is to straighten the overall alignment of the penis.

This type of surgery is usually best in patients with less severe curvature, where the procedure won’t significantly affect the length of the penis, and when maintaining erectile function is a priority.

Lengthening procedures

In more severe cases, especially where there is a significant curvature and some degree of length loss, lengthening procedures may be necessary. This approach involves cutting the scar tissue and applying a graft to lengthen the shortened side of your penis.

While this can more effectively correct severe curvature and restore length, it carries a higher risk of complications, such as erectile dysfunction, compared to shortening procedures.

Penile implants

Penile implants are generally considered when Peyronie's disease is accompanied by erectile dysfunction (ED) that hasn’t responded to medication or other treatments. This procedure involves placing a prosthetic device inside your penis.

The device helps to straighten and stabilize the curvature while also restoring sexual function. There are different types of implants available, including inflatable implants and semi-rigid (malleable) implants. 

Each of these surgeries has its pros and cons, and the choice of procedure depends largely on individual factors like the severity of the curve, whether the condition contributes to erectile dysfunction, and your personal preferences. 

We discuss these options in detail, providing a personalized recommendation that considers your specific condition, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

Deciding on the right treatment for you

Deciding on the right treatment for your Peyronie’s disease, especially when considering surgery, is a significant step. Have a discussion with your urologist, who can go over the pros and cons of each therapy. 

At Urological Associates Medical Group, we’re here to help you make an informed decision based on the latest clinical evidence, your lifestyle and preferences, and your personal health circumstances.

We have multiple treatment options that can significantly improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment by calling us at Urology Associates Medical Group in Burbank, California, to get started.