Peyronie’s disease affects approximately 1 out of 10 men in the United States. Patients with this disease have abnormal development of scar tissue in their penises, which causes the penis to curve or have problems during erections.
This scar tissue is known as a “plaque.” Eventually, the plaque starts limiting the elastic property of the membrane. As a result, the penis adopts a curved or bent shape, being more visible during erections. It may also causes pain and can make sexual intercourse difficult.
Causes of Peyronie’s Disease
Unfortunately, the cause of this disease remains unclear. Doctors still have not agreed on what triggers the development of the plaque, but two theories have been accepted by the medical community so far:
- Long-term trauma: Repeated penile trauma is the most widespread cause of Peyronie’s disease. It is believed that the lesions caused by constant and vigorous sexual activity can trigger the formation of the plaque. Most men diagnosed cannot recall a particular event in which they suffered the trauma, as minor unrecognized injuries probably develop this scar tissue during regular sexual intercourse.
- Autoimmune disorder: another theory that has been proposed is that Peyronie’s is simply a consequence of autoimmune conditions like lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, or Behçet’s disease. These diseases trigger the abnormal development of scar tissue in different body parts, and the penis is no exception.
Peyronie’s Disease Risk Factors
Although the cause of this disease has not been established yet, you can still pay attention to certain risk factors that have been linked to Peyronie’s disease:
- Age. This disease is more likely to develop in adults between 40 and 70 years old.
- Family History. You are at a higher risk if a family member has suffered from this disease.
- Connective Tissue Disorders. Patients diagnosed with connective tissue disorders (like Dupuytren’s disease, plantar fasciitis, or scleroderma) are also at a greater risk.
- Diabetes-Associated Erectile Dysfunction. Diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction have a 4-5 times greater risk of developing Peyronie’s disease.
- Surgically Treated Prostate Cancer. Men who have undergone surgery as a part of prostate cancer treatment have a greater risk of developing Peyronie’s disease.
- Autoimmune Diseases. You are at increased risk of developing Peyronie’s disease if you have an autoimmune disorder like lupus.
Peyronie’s Disease Treatment Options
At Bawa Medical, we offer treatments to improve the symptoms of the disease. The main aim of the treatment is to break down the plaque, allowing the normal functioning of the penis and easing the pain associated with erections.
Renowned sexual and intimate health expert Dr. Kanwal Bawa recommends both PRP/ PRFM therapy (P-Shot®) and acoustic wave therapy as effective solutions to this problem:
- PRP/PRFM Therapy for Peyronie’s disease (P-Shot®): The P-Shot® is an completely painless injectable treatment that rejuvenates the penis from the inside out. The P-Shot® offers numerous benefits to patients with sexual dysfunction issues and also healthy patients who desire a boost. During the P-Shot treatment, Dr. Kanwal Bawa will carefully (and painlessly) inject platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM)—a more potent form of PRP with more growth factors and increased stem cell stimulation.
- Acoustic wave therapy for Peyronie’s disease: Acoustic wave therapy uses sound waves to improve male sexual function. The high-frequency, low-intensity soundwaves remove micro-plaque, stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, and improve blood flow to the penis. Since over 80% of erectile dysfunction issues are caused by poor blood flow, acoustic wave therapy offers a powerful treatment option for many sexual health concerns.
It should be noted that both treatments have many potential patient benefits beyond the treatment of Peyronie’s disease symptoms.
Peyronie’s Disease Treatment in Boca Raton, Florida
If you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of this disease, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. With a simple clinical examination, Dr. Kanwal Bawa can determine whether you suffer from Peyronie’s disease and recommend the best course of action for your situation.
Bawa Medical is located in Boca Raton and proudly serves patients visiting from Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Miami, and throughout South Florida and beyond. We look forward to hearing from you soon.