Peyronie’s disease is a men’s sexual condition characterized by the formation of fibrous plaques in the penile tissues, resulting in penile curvature, pain and difficulties with sexual intercourse. Around 5-10% men worldwide suffer from this disease but the actual number of men suffering from PD is thought to be even more. There are a lot of factors that can cause PD in men. Pragmatists suggest that smoking can also play a role in the progression of PD for men. In this article, we will delve into the relationship between Peyronie’s disease and smoking, with a particular focus on the available treatment options to manage this condition effectively.
Peyronie’s disease is named after the perspicacious French surgeon François de la Peyronie, who first described it in the 18th century. The condition typically manifests as a fibrous plaque or scar tissue that develops within the erectile tissues of the penis. These plaques can cause the penis to curve or bend during erection, leading to pain, difficulty with penetration, and psychological distress. The onset of Peyronie’s disease is often gradual, with symptoms appearing gradually over time. The emergence of a tiny, hard lump or nodule on the penis is generally the first symptom of Peyronie’s disease. This lump may be uncomfortable to touch, especially during an erection. As the problem worsens, the lump may expand in size and prominence, eventually causing the penis to twist or bend during an erection. In certain circumstances, PD for men can cause pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, making it difficult or even impossible to obtain an erection. The natural history of Peyronie’s disease is little known, and several variables can impact the condition’s course. The intensity of the plaque buildup, the patient’s age at beginning, the existence of other medical diseases, and the patient’s general health and lifestyle are all factors that may influence the natural history of Peyronie’s disease. Some believe, younger individuals with less extensive plaque buildup do better than older patients with more severe illness.
One potential outcome of Peyronie’s disease is the development of erectile dysfunction, or the inability to achieve or keep an erection sufficient or strong enough for sexual intimacy. This can occur as a result of the physical deformity caused by the plaque buildup, as well as the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Erectile dysfunction can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life and may require treatment with medication or other interventions.
The Role of Smoking in Peyronie’s Disease
Smoking has been identified as a potential risk factor for Peyronie’s disease, contributing to the development and progression of the condition. The harmful chemicals present in tobacco smoke, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, have detrimental effects on blood vessels, tissue health, and healing processes. Smoking contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired tissue repair, all of which can contribute to the formation of fibrous plaques in the penile tissues.
Treatment Options for Peyronie’s Disease
While there is no definitive cure for PD for men, several treatment options are available to manage its symptoms and minimize its impact on sexual function and quality of life. These treatments aim to address the specific challenges associated with Peyronie’s disease, including penile curvature, pain, and difficulties with sexual intercourse. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition, individual preferences, and the presence of other underlying factors.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Oral Medications: Some oral medications, such as collagenase clostridium histolyticum, have been approved as the Peyronie’s disease treatments. These medications work by breaking down the collagen that forms the fibrous plaques, thereby reducing penile curvature and improving symptoms.
Topical Medications: Applying topical verapamil or other anti-inflammatory agents directly to the affected area may help reduce plaque size, pain, and curvature associated with Peyronie’s disease.
Penile Traction Devices: Traction devices, such as penile extenders, can be used to gently stretch the penile tissues and reduce curvature over time.
Injections
Collagenase Injections: Intralesional injections of collagenase can be administered directly into the fibrous plaque to break down the collagen and reduce penile curvature.
Verapamil Injections: Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, can be injected into the plaque to help soften the tissue and potentially improve penile curvature.
Surgical Interventions
Surgical Excision: In severe cases where the curvature is significant and causing significant functional issues, surgical excision of the plaque and reconstruction of the penile tissues may be necessary. This procedure aims to straighten the penis and improve sexual function.
Penile Prosthesis Implantation: In individuals with severe Peyronie’s disease and concomitant erectile dysfunction, penile prosthesis implantation may be considered. This surgical procedure involves the insertion of inflatable or malleable devices into the penis to enable erection on demand.
Non-Invasive Modern Treatments
Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave treatment is capable of curing Peyronie’s disease without surgery. Shockwave treatment may be used to break up the scar tissue that is causing the penis curvature. It’s a new treatment for Peyronie’s disease. This therapy stimulates blood flow and promotes healing by using high-frequency sound waves. High-intensity sound waves are transmitted from a handheld machine to the penis during shockwave therapy for Peyronie’s disease. These sound waves break apart the plaque that has formed inside the penis, allowing the body to naturally absorb it. Shockwave treatment for Peyronie’s disease uses sound waves similar to those used in lithotripsy, a technique used to remove kidney stones. They are delivered using a hand-held device placed on the penis. The procedure normally takes around twenty minutes and is done in a doctor’s office. According to some study, shockwave therapy is a successful novel treatment for Peyronie’s disease. According to a study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, shockwave treatment dramatically decreased erection-related pain and improved penile curvature in males with Peyronie’s disease. Another study published in the journal Sexual Medicine revealed that shockwave treatment dramatically improved erectile function in men with PD.
NanoVi: In addition to boosting vitality and reversing the effects of aging without the use of harmful chemicals, NanoVi also boosts the immune system by assisting in the repair of DNA damage and cell damage in affected cells. While NanoVi is doing this, endothelial functions in the penis and prostate area improve as well. NanoVi is most successful when used in combination with shockwave therapy and EMTT therapy.
EMTT therapy: Extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy (EMTT therapy) is a type of non-invasive therapy used to treat musculoskeletal pain and other disorders. It has been proposed that when paired with other technologies like as shockwave treatment, Tesla Chair, and NanoVi, it can considerably reduce men’s sexual health difficulties, including Peyronie’s disease. Electromagnetic transduction treatment, or EMTT, works at the cellular level. A strong magnetic field is applied to the endothelial cells found within the blood arteries of the penis. These endothelial cells provide energy, transport nutrients, and aid in cell regeneration, which speeds up the healing process and restores sexual function.
One of the best things about these non-invasive treatments is that there is no need of surgeries in order to provide these therapies. Plus, all these treatments are very safe to undergo. There are very little side-effects associated with these treatment methods. But it’s important to consult with a specialized doctor before undergoing any of these treatments. Because, not every patient will respond equally to these procedures. Some will get benefitted more and some will get less as the underlying causes of PD matter hugely in shaping up the appropriate treatment plan.
Combining Treatments and Lifestyle Modifications
In many cases, a combination of treatments and lifestyle modifications may be recommended to optimize the management of Peyronie’s disease. Quitting smoking is essential, as smoking can exacerbate the condition and hinder treatment effectiveness. By quitting smoking, individuals can reduce the impact of the disease on blood vessels, overall tissue health, and healing processes.
Additionally, counselling or therapy may be beneficial to address the psychological and emotional impact of Peyronie’s disease on individuals and their partners. Open communication, education, and support can help individuals cope with the challenges and maintain a healthy and satisfying sexual relationship.
Conclusion
Peyronie’s disease can be very devastating to the relationship between a man and his partner. Thankfully there are a lot treatments available in order to effectively treat ED. But it’s important to remember that this is a complex condition to treat. So, consulting with a urologist or male sexual health specialist is highly recommended. Also, quitting smoking is a must. Smoking can hamper body’s healing ability and thus making it difficult to treat PD. Smoking can also worsen PD by causing other sexual issues including Erectile Dysfunction.
If you are suffering from PD and seeking treatments then you can check out Shockwave Clinics Ltd. It is a men’s health clinic situated in London that is regarded as one of the top shockwave therapy providers in Europe. This clinic has treated thousands of men suffering from male sexual issues such as ED or PD, using shockwave therapy, EMTT therapy, Tesla Chair and NanoVi. As well as joining the men’s health forum to engage in discussions and seek advice from others facing similar challenges
