Peyronie’s disease is caused by repeated penile injury resulting in fibrous scar tissue in the penis that causes curved and painful erections. Peyronie’s disease is a common condition affecting more than 200,000 men a year in the United States. Even though peyronie’s disease cannot be cured, it can be treated and may even go away on its own. 

While Peyronie’s disease can go away on its own, it is very rare. The majority of men suffering from this condition will experience persistent or worsening symptoms, including erectile dysfunction. Early treatment with medications for symptoms of Peyronie’s disease like erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra, have been successful in improving symptoms or keeping it from getting worse, but Viagra is not a cure or treatment for Peyronie’s disease. 

Peyronie’s Disease and Erectile Dysfunction

If you suspect you have Peyronie’s disease, it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment to give yourself the best chance to manage and improve your condition. Even if you have been experiencing this condition for any length of time, if the pain, curvature, length, or any other possible deformities are bothering you or your partner, it is advised to get medical intervention as soon as possible. 

Symptoms and Side Effects: 

The majority of men with Peyronie’s disease develop dorsal plaque resulting in an upward curved penis while erect. Although dorsal plaque is the most common, plaque can also build up in other areas of the penis which can cause a variety of different symptoms and side effects, such as: 

• When plaque builds up and develops on the sides of the penis, it may cause your penis to curve to the right or left. 
• When the plaque builds up and develops all the way around your penis, “bottle-necking” can occur, which causes an hourglass shape as the penis narrows and develops lumps in other areas. 
• As lumps develop in the penis, it can become hard and feel like bone because of the calcium buildup taking place. 
• Shortening of the penis due to plaque and calcium buildup.
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Psychological issues

These deformity causing symptoms can cause issues with sexual performance, which can result in psychological issues, such as depression. Erectile dysfunction is the biggest side effect of Peyronie’s disease due to the intense pain caused by the curvature and penile shortening. While Viagra has been proven to assist with the erectile dysfunction brought on by Peyronie’s disease, it does not cure the disease itself, and the possible side effects of Viagra should be discussed with your doctor before use. 

Viagra Side Effects and Uses: 

Viagra is used to increase blood flow to the two chambers of erectile tissue inside the penis. The increase in blood flow allows for an erection to develop and be maintained for sexual activity. With the use of Viagra comes the possibility of adverse side effects, such as: 

• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Back pain
• Congestion
• Light sensitivity
• Change in vision

Severe side effects could also include: 

• Vision loss
• Priapism (an erection lasting longer than 4 hours)
• Loss of vision

Before taking any medication, the benefits should be weighed against the possible side effects. You should also speak with your doctor about whether or not you are healthy enough for sexual activity. 

Other Treatments for Peyronie’s Disease

While Viagra is not the best or most researched treatment for Peyronie’s disease, there are other proven medications, therapies, and surgeries to help treat and manage the effects of Peyronie’s disease. 

Medications: 

While oral medications are the least preferred treatment for Peyronie’s disease, they may assist men who have been severely affected by the disease. Like with Viagra, the benefits should be weighed against side effects and the effects of the disease itself. The possible oral treatments include, but are not limited to: 

• Vitamin E: Oral vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help shrink the scar tissue, or plaque, developed from Peyronie’s disease. 
• Potassium Aminobenzoate: This form of vitamin B may help reduce the size of plaque produced in the penis but it does not treat penile curvature caused by Peyronie’s disease. 
• Other Oral Medications: Tamoxifen, Carnitine, and Colchicine have also shown to reduce the amount of swelling and plaque buildup caused by Peyronie’s disease. 
  

Penile Injections: 

By injecting medicine directly into the penis, it brings a higher concentration of the drug to the actual problem area in order to reduce the effects of Peyronie’s disease. 

• Xiaflex: As of right now, Xiaflex is the only FDA approved medication specifically for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease. Xiaflex works by weakening the scar tissue, or plaque, in the penis, and when combined with penile exercises, penile curvature can be reduced. 
• Verapamil: While this medication is mostly used to treat hypertension and angina, it may assist in reducing discomfort and penile curvature. 
• Interferon: A protein based medication which controls swelling, may also be able to break down plaques in the penis. 
  

Surgery: 

In severe cases of Peyronie’s disease, surgery may be suggested to remove the scar tissue and/or adjust and reduce the penile curvature. 

• Implant surgery may be suggested for patients who suffer from significant deformity and erectile dysfunction. 
• Plication is a simple procedure consisting of sutures placed on the opposite side of the curvature in order to straighten the penis. 
• Plaque removal with grafting consists of an incision in the penis to remove part or all of the plaque causing the curvature. Once the plaque is removed, grafting will be used to replace the area that has been excised. 

It is important to remember that surgery to correct Peyronie’s disease comes with its own possible side effects that could leave a man in worse condition, such as: 

• Impotence
• Nerve injury
• Complications from anesthesia

Conclusion: 

If you suspect you have Peyronie’s disease, contact your doctor as soon as possible in order to give yourself the best chance of a successful treatment. It is important to discuss any and all health related concerns with your doctor in order to decide the best treatment option for you. Never take any medication without first talking with your doctor to discuss side effects and whether or not you are healthy enough for certain medications and sexual activity. 

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References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24190613/

https://www.healthline.com/health/peyronies-disease/peyronies-disease-and-erectile-dysfunction-treatments

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