Erectile Dysfunction or Peyronie's Disease
What’s the difference between Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s Disease (PD) means the penis has plaques of hardened scar tissue, causing a loss of flexibility and a curve (can be in any direction). However, unless it is severe, it may not cause Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and having intercourse and maintaining an erection remain unproblematic. There is a relationship between the conditions as sometimes symptoms of ED precede signs and symptoms of PD.
An outline of both individually follows. Go to Peyronie's Disease.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction is a condition where a man is unable to get or maintain an erection to such an extent that penetration during sexual activity cannot be achieved. It can happen at any age but it is much more common in older men.
Symptoms
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Reduced sex drive.
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Difficulty in obtaining an erection.
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Difficulty in maintaining an erection.
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An inability to get an erection firm enough to perform penetrative sex.
Causes
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Prescription drugs (e.g. SSRIs, beta blockers, hormone modulators, and 5α-reductase inhibitors)
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Neurogenic disorders (e.g. diabetic neuropathy, temporal lobe epilepsy, Parkinson's disease)
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Hyperprolactinemia
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Psychological causes: performance anxiety, stress, and mental health disorders
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Surgery (e.g., radical prostatectomy)
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Aging: It is four times more common in men aged in their 60s than those in their 40s
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Kidney failure
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Lifestyle habits, particularly smoking, which is a key risk factor for ED as it promotes arterial narrowing
Other Erectile dysfunction issues may also include the occasional incident of an inability to obtain a full erection, an inability to maintain an erection for the duration of the sexual activity or the inability to achieve an erection at all.
Treatment
Erectile Dysfunction may be treated using focused shockwaves with ultrasound guidance to stimulate a response in the penile tissues. This promotes blood flow in the area as well as connective tissue, such as collagen, formation - strengthening the body’s own healing response.
QLS’ Ultrasound Guided Shockwave Therapy offers a viable, non-invasive and cost effective alternative treatment option when compared to undergoing penile injections or surgery.
You will require a referral letter from a GP or a specialist prior to undertaking this treatment.
Sources and Related Links
In-depth Information
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is also known as impotence or penile dysfunction. There are several impotence medicines on the Australian market, however, they do not treat the underlying cause. ED Treatment with shockwave therapy under ultrasound guidance allows focused pulses of energy to be directed into the affected area and tissues. Through the mechanisms of improved blood flow and stimulated collagen formation, ongoing increased amounts of oxygen and nutrients are available - improving the quality of erections and reducing erection problems.
Research has shown that extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for ED has no major - and very few minor - associated risks. There is no anaesthetic requirement and no time off work is needed. It is booked as an outpatient appointment through our clinic for minimal inconvenience or downtime to the patient.
What is Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s Disease is a disorder of the fibrous tissue leading to scarring of connective tissue of the penis. This can cause deformity of the erect penis, painful erections and difficulty in engaging in sexual intercourse.
Symptoms
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Scar tissue (referred to as plaque in Peyronie’s Disease) which can be felt under the skin of the penis as flat lumps or a band of hardened tissue
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A significant bend to the penis (any direction)
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Erection problems. Often men report erectile dysfunction before the beginning of Peyronie's disease symptoms
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Shortening of the penis
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Pain. You might have penile pain, with or without an erection
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Other penile deformity. The erect penis may have narrowing, indentations or even an hourglass-like appearance, in some cases
Causes
The underlying cause or causes of PD is not completely understood at the moment. It's thought PD generally results from repeated injury to the penis. For example, the penis might be damaged during sex, athletic activity or as the result of an accident. In some men, Peyronie's disease comes on gradually and doesn't seem to be related to an injury. Researchers are investigating whether Peyronie's disease might be linked to an inherited trait or certain health conditions.
Some risk factors include:
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Genetic factors; if a family has PD, you are at an increased risk
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Having connective tissue disorders, such as Dupuytren’s contracture
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Age, the likelihood of PD increases with age, especially in the 50s and 60s
Treatment
Peyronie’s Disease may be treated using focused shockwaves with ultrasound guidance to stimulate a response in the penile/scar tissues. This promotes blood flow in the area as well as connective tissue, such as collagen, formation - strengthening the body’s own healing response.
Peyronie's disease rarely goes away on its own. In most men with PD, the condition will remain as-is or worsen.
QLS’ Ultrasound Guided Shockwave Therapy offers a viable, non-invasive and cost effective alternative treatment option when compared to undergoing penile injections or surgery.
You will require a referral letter from a GP or a specialist prior to undertaking this treatment.
Sources and Related Links
In-depth Information
Peyronie’s disease, also referred to as Induratio Penis Plastica (IPP), affects an estimated 15% of adult males.
The etiology of this condition is not completely understood but it is believed to be a result of micro trauma involving the penis causing specifically, scar tissue formation in the tunica albuginea that can cause pain, abnormal curvature, erectile dysfunction, indentation, loss of girth and shortening.
Peyronie's disease rarely goes away on its own. In most men with Peyronie's disease, the condition will remain as is or worsen. Early treatment soon after developing the condition may keep it from getting worse or even improve symptoms. Even if you've had the condition for some time, treatment may help improve bothersome symptoms, such as pain, curvature and penile shortening.
