Diagnosis and treatment of penile curvature, therapeutic approaches for Peyronie's disease, medical tests for penile curvature

Penile curvature

Penile curvature, also known as Peyronie's disease, is a condition in which scar tissue forms in the penis, resulting in an unnatural curvature or bend.
This condition can cause pain and impair sexual function.

Modern medical approaches offer various diagnostic and treatment options to improve the quality of life of affected men.

Quickfacts
Causes & symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Rehabilitation

Quick facts

  • Prevalence: Affects about 5-10% of men, especially in middle age
  • Common causes: Injuries, genetic predispositions, connective tissue disorders
  • Diagnosis: Medical history, physical examination, ultrasound
  • Treatment: medication, injections, physical therapy, surgical interventions

Causes

The exact cause of penile curvature is not always clear, but it can be triggered by various factors:

  • Trauma: micro tears or injuries to the penile tissue during sexual intercourse or due to accidents
  • Genetic factors: Family history of Peyronie's disease or connective tissue disorders
  • Connective tissue disorders: Conditions such as Dupuytren's contracture
  • Inflammation: Inflammatory processes that lead to scarring

Symptoms

The symptoms of penile curvature can vary and include

  • Pain: Pain in the penis, especially during erection
  • Curvature: Visible curvature of the penis during erection
  • Lump formation: Palpable lumps or plaques under the skin of the penis
  • Erection problems: Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
  • Shortening of the penis: noticeable shortening of the penis

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of penile curvature involves several steps:

  • Anamnesis: Detailed survey of the medical history and current complaints
  • Physical examination: Examination to identify and localise the plaques
  • Imaging procedures:
    • Ultrasound: assessment of the plaques and blood flow in the penis
    • X-rays: Rarely required to detect calcifications

Treatment

The treatment of penile curvature depends on the severity of the symptoms and the individual needs of the patient:

  • Drug therapy:
    • Oral: Vitamin E, Potassium para-aminobenzoate (Potaba)
    • Topical: Verapamil cream
  • Injection therapy:
    • Collagenase: Enzyme to dissolve the scar tissue
    • Verapamil or interferon: reduction of plaques and curvature
  • Physical therapy:
    • Traction devices: devices to gently stretch the penis
    • Vacuum devices: Improvement of blood circulation and reduction of curvature
  • Surgical procedures:
    • Plicatur procedure: Shortening the longer side of the penis to reduce curvature
    • Excision and grafting: removal of plaques and replacement with tissue grafts
    • Penile prostheses: For simultaneous erectile dysfunction

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after penile curvature treatment includes

  • Aftercare: Regular medical examinations to monitor progress
  • Physiotherapy: Exercises and equipment to support healing
  • Psychological support: counselling to cope with stress and anxiety associated with the condition
  • Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet, avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Penile curvature is a treatable condition, and with the right diagnosis and treatment, many men can experience a significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. It is important to talk openly about this issue and seek medical advice to get the best possible treatment.

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