Peyronie's Disease

Treatment

In a small percentage of men, Peyronie's disease goes away on its own. But most times, treatment is required.

Surgery is the most effective way to treat Peyronie's disease. Nonsurgical treatments are usually recommended in the first 12 to 18 months of treatment.

All medical treatments are regarded as experimental — none is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Medications

A number of medications have been studied for Peyronie's, including L-carnitine, colchicine, aminobenzoate potassium, tamoxifen and vitamin E. There is little evidence that using any of these is better than watchful waiting.

Injections

Doctors have tested injecting drugs directly into the scar tissue (plaque). Two have been found to have some positive effect:

• Verapamil, a drug usually used to treat high blood pressure, stops creation of collagen — a part of the plaque — and promotes transformation of scar tissue into normal tissue
• Interferon injections have been shown to reduce collagen formation

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis uses an electric current to administer a combination of verapamil and a steroid noninvasively through the skin. Early research has shown the treatment effective in reducing pain, plaque size and penile curvature.

Other therapies

Verapamil has also been tried as a gel, rubbed on the penis. But there is no evidence that the drug reaches the inner tissues of the penis. Shock wave therapy has been tested as a means of breaking up plaques, but effectiveness has been inconsistent.

Surgery

Surgery is the most effective way to correct the penile curvature associated with Peyronie's disease. At Mayo, you would be considered a candidate for surgery if:

• You've had Peyronie's disease for more than one year
• You're unable to have satisfactory sexual intercourse
• Your disease is painless and stable

Reconstructive surgery for Peyronie's disease is a complex operation, requiring specialized techniques and experience. Mayo Clinic urologists have achieved a high rate of success using surgery to restore the normal shape and function of the penis in men with Peyronie's disease.

Mayo Clinic urologists use different surgical procedures, depending on each man's symptoms and needs.

Risks

Risks of surgery for Peyronie's disease include:

• Diminished penile sensation
• Shorter penis
• Impaired ability to achieve an erection
• Return of the curvature in rare instances

Read more about Peyronie's disease treatment at MayoClinic.com.