You've undoubtedly seen ads about Peyronie's disease (PD) on TV and heard them on the radio, especially during sporting events like football.
But what is PD? And are there any effective treatments? The short answer is YES, treatments do exist, and today, Dr. Natalya Lopushnyan joins us to discuss a popular non-surgical option: Xiaflex®.
As with all content on our blog, the following is educational and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician about your specific healthcare needs.
Without further ado, here's Dr. L, as her patients affectionately call her, in her own words.
Ah, Peyronie's disease. It's one of those things that's a little awkward to talk about but, unfortunately, affects many men. Basically, it's when scar tissue, or plaque, forms inside the penis, leading to an unwanted curve, pain during erections, and maybe some challenges with, well, performance.
Why does it make the penis curve, you ask? Well, during an erection, everything down there stretches, but scars and plaques do not. So, the part that does not stretch pulls the rest of the penis to that side, causing a curve.
The good news? Effective treatments exist, including a non-surgical option called Xiaflex®.
Great question! Xiaflex® is the only FDA-approved non-surgical option to treat Peyronie's disease.
Essentially, it's an injectable medication that targets the pesky plaque causing the curve in your penis. The idea is that Xiaflex® breaks down this plaque over time, helping to reduce the bend and potentially making life a little more comfortable for you.
Now, don't expect a miracle after a single shot. Xiaflex® is part of a process involving four cycles of injections, with two injections per cycle (lucky you, multiple visits to the doctor!). The injections go directly into the plaque, working to break it down gradually.
But here's the catch: It's not just about the injections. You'll also need to do some stretches at home—yes, stretching. Your doctor will guide you on how to do them correctly.
And trust me, you'll want to follow through with this to maximize the benefits. It's all part of helping your penis get back to its straight, beautiful, functional self.
It's not as dramatic as you might imagine. The injections are quick (5-10 seconds), and while you might feel some mild discomfort (because, let's face it, nothing is truly pain-free in this world), it's a far cry from surgery. You'll probably be able to return to your normal activities without much hassle—just avoid the urge to brag to your friends about it.
Swelling and bruising around the injection site? Yep, that's common, but don't worry, it's usually temporary and should go away in a few days.
As for the long-term results? Well, you might start to see some improvement in the curvature, pain reduction, and erectile function over time, usually after the third or fourth cycle. Just don't expect it to be an overnight transformation.
Consistency is key, so be diligent with those stretches and follow-up appointments.
Like all treatments, Xiaflex® is not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you're curious, the first step is to chat with your urologist. They'll help you determine whether Xiaflex® is a good match for your specific case and walk you through the process.
Peyronie's disease can feel like a real downer, but trust me, you don't have to just live with it. Xiaflex® is a proven, non-surgical treatment that can make a difference, and with a bit of patience, you'll hopefully be on your way to feeling more like yourself.
If you have questions (and I'm sure you do), please contact a urologist like me. We're here to help guide you through the process and get you back to doing what you do best. Take care, and don't forget—there's always hope for straightening things out!
Request an appointment with one of our urologists to discuss your PD.