Can Peyronie’s Disease Go Away on Its Own?
Peyronie’s disease becomes problematic for men when the curvature of the penis and associated pain become too much to bear and/or impede sexual activity. Decisions about treatment options need to be discussed with an expert urologist.
As you’ve likely read elsewhere on our website, Peyronie’s disease involves an abnormal and sometimes severe curvature of the penis. Peyronie’s itself does not necessarily require treatment in every case; however, it often develops into a condition that causes a significant impediment to a man’s sex life. This is often a result of physical pain from the curvature, as well as the psychological impact or embarrassment a man may feel about aesthetics and partner perception.
For many, Peyronie’s is mild, and only in a portion of cases does it progress to an unacceptable level of pain or contour. For these patients, interventions such as Xiaflex injections, penile plication, or grafting may be the best options to correct the concern.
For approximately 15% of patients, the condition does not worsen over time.1 Still, speaking with a urologist about the next steps can help ease any distressing psychological or aesthetic concerns associated with Peyronie’s.
Spontaneous Improvement
Peyronie’s will remodel and improve on its own in a small number of patients. While it is unlikely that the plaque will dissipate entirely to allow for total normalization, these patients often find the improvement sufficient to resume their normal quality of life. Traction exercises can often assist in this process.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue therapy depends on the severity of the curvature and discomfort and a healthcare professional’s assessment of the best course of action. Any patient who develops symptoms of Peyronie’s should seek care from a urologist or qualified men’s health specialist. Early intervention offers the best possible outcomes and a wider range of comprehensive treatment options.
Possible Treatment Modalities
For the roughly 85% of patients who do not see the penile plaque remodel on its own, there are several effective treatment options.
Xiaflex Injections: A series of injections designed to progressively soften and remodel the plaque to reduce curvature. These injections are effective for the majority of patients.
Penile Plication: A less invasive surgical intervention that involves placing sutures on the opposite side of the plaque to mechanically straighten the penis. While some patients worry about shortening, proper surgical techniques can mitigate this concern.
Grafting: This involves exposing the plaque and removing or incising it to allow for normal function. While this requires a longer recovery time, it is often the most reliable option for patients with significant or complex curvature.
Penile Implants: If a patient suffers from severe erectile dysfunction (ED) in addition to Peyronie’s, a penile prosthesis may be the best option. This is an elegant solution for treating the duo of conditions that cause considerable mental and physical strain.
The most important first step is to visit a qualified specialist to understand your specific condition and all of the treatment options available for your unique situation. With a wide range of modern options available, patients often find a straightforward solution for Peyronie’s disease. If your condition is not improving on its own, contact Georgia Urology today for a consultation.
Reference:
- Yang, D. (2022, September 7). Early treatment critical for Peyronie’s disease. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://sncs-prod-external.mayo.edu/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/early-treatment-for-peyronies-disease.
