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Peyronies Disease - Curvature of the Penis

14 December, 2009 06:30:00 All4women

Peyronie's Disease is when sections of the penis start turning to scar tissue. The penis usually becomes bent or curved, but it can also manifest as an indentation, loss of length or thickness. There can also be lumps or nodules. These deformities are visible because the scar tissue in the smooth shaft area (which fills with blood during erection) prevents areas from filling with blood when erect. The condition can progress to a stage where intercourse is impossible.There may also be slight to serious pain in the penis.

After a few years the scar tissue generally stops getting worse. If one has always had a curved penis, and it is not sudden, it would not be classified as Peyronie's disease.

Significant injury to the penis can cause Peyronie's Disease. It is also believed that small injuries that are not detected can also contribute to Peyronie's Disease. Certain families can have a higher incidence of the condition. There is a higher incidence amongst men of Northern European descent. It usually affects men between 45 and 65, but younger men are also affected.

Treatment depends on how long one has had the condition for - your doctor will need to advise you as to which options are available to you.

Doctors often prescribe medication or Vitamin E. Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC), a supplement derived from amino acids, and enzymes can be bought from a health store.

Verapamil intraleasional Injections (VI/ILV) are when a calcium channel blocker is injected, over a period of months, to break down the scar tissue.

Hyperthermia (Heat Therapy) is the application of heat to the penis.

A Vacuum Erection Device (VED) can be used. This is a clear plastic tube with a pump, used to create a vacuum around the penis, to create an erection. Make sure to get a medical grade quality, as others may cause damage.

Surgery is usually only performed on those that have had the condition for at least 18 months, or that are unable to have intercourse. Sometimes a prosthesis is implanted.

For more info on Peyronie's disease, visit: http://www.peyroniessociety.org/nontraditional.htm

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Source: All4women

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