When should Peyronie’s disease be treated? Peyronie’s disease is a urological condition that affects many men and can significantly impact their quality of life, particularly their sexuality. However, a question frequently arises among patients: at what degree of curvature should treatment be considered? Should it be based on a precise measurement, such as a certain number of degrees of deviation, or should symptoms and personal experience guide the decision?
I’m Dr. Sébastien Beley, urologist and andrologist in Paris, and in this article I’d like to give you some clear, nuanced answers on this subject. My aim is to help you understand that the treatment of Lapeyronie’s disease isn’t just a matter of numbers, but rather a holistic approach centered on how you feel, your difficulties, and the way this disease affects your intimate and psychological life.
Understanding Lapeyronie’s disease: beyond the numbers
Peyronie’s disease is characterized by the formation of a fibrous plaque in the erectile tissue of the penis, causing an abnormal curvature during erection. This deformity can vary in intensity, ranging from a few degrees to severe curvatures sometimes exceeding 90 degrees. It is natural, initially, to assume that the greater the curvature, the more extensive the treatment of Peyronie’s disease will be necessary.
However, the reality is more complex. The decision to treat Peyronie’s disease is not based solely on the degree of curvature, but on the impact this deformity has on your life. Indeed, some men with a moderate curvature may experience intense psychological discomfort that profoundly affects their sex life and self-confidence. Conversely, others with a more pronounced deformity may continue to have a satisfying sex life without feeling the need to treat Peyronie’s disease immediately.
This individual variation is essential to take into account. You don’t treat a number, you treat a man, his expectations, his difficulties, and above all his feelings.
When should treatment for Lapyeron’s disease be considered?
The main criterion for deciding to start treatment is therefore the quality of life affected, particularly in sexual and psychological terms. Here are a few factors that may indicate the need for treatment:
- Pain or discomfort during erection: If the curvature causes pain or makes erection difficult or impossible, treatment may be considered to improve comfort.
- Impact on sexuality: If the deformity prevents penetration or causes difficulty in maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory intercourse, this warrants consultation and possible treatment.
- Psychological repercussions: The disease can cause stress, anxiety, loss of self-confidence and even withdrawal. If this affects your mental well-being, it’s a sign that you need to talk about it and consider comprehensive treatment.
- Relationships with your partner: If you find it uncomfortable to be naked in front of your partner, or to have sexual relations, it’s important to discuss it with a professional to find appropriate solutions.
Therefore, there is no universal threshold in degrees at which Peyronie’s disease should be treated. The most important thing is to listen to your body and your feelings, and to discuss it openly with a specialist urologist .
What types of treatment are available?
Once the decision has been made to treat Lapeyronie’s disease, several treatment options can be considered, depending on the severity of the deformity, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s preferences.
Non-invasive medical treatments
For moderate or early-stage cases, less invasive treatments can be proposed:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections : This technique aims to stimulate tissue healing and regeneration. It can help reduce fibrous plaque and improve curvature.
- Use of vacuum pumps: Pumps can help stretch the penis and improve tissue flexibility, sometimes as a complement to other treatments.
- Oral medications: Although their efficacy is limited, some medications can be prescribed to relieve pain or improve associated erectile function.
Surgical treatments
When the curvature is severe, disabling, or does not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be an option:
- Plicature: This procedure involves reducing the length of the side opposite the plate to straighten the penis.
- Grafting: For more severe deformities, the plate can be removed and the lost tissue filled in with a graft.
- Penile implant : In some cases, particularly when erectile function is also impaired, the insertion of an implant may be considered.
The choice of surgical treatment depends on many factors and should be discussed in detail with your urologist, who will explain the benefits, risks and realistic expectations.
The importance of psychological follow-up
Lapeyronie’s disease is more than just a physical deformity. It can have a major psychological impact, affecting self-confidence, relationships and mental health.
If you feel uneasy, embarrassed or even depressed about being naked, it’s important to talk about it. Your GP can refer you to a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist, who can help you manage the stress and emotions associated with the condition.
Psychological support can be an integral part of overall treatment, complementing medical or surgical care. It can help to improve your quality of life and restore your sexuality.
The role of dialogue with your urologist
When dealing with Lapeyronie’s disease, it’s essential to establish an open and sincere dialogue with your urologist. Each case is unique, and together you can determine the best treatment strategy for you, based on your expectations, your needs and your personal situation.
Don’t just rely on numbers or general standards. What counts is your feeling, your comfort, and the quality of your sexual and emotional life. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have, to express your fears, and to ask for detailed explanations of the options available.
Questions to ask during your consultation:
- What stage is my disease at? Is it in an active or stable phase?
- What treatments do you recommend and why?
- What are the expected benefits and risks associated with each option?
- How can treatment improve my sex life and psychological well-being?
- Are there any non-surgical alternatives to try before surgery?
- How can I deal with the psychological aspects of my illness?
Conclusion: treating Lapeyronie’s disease is above all a matter of feeling
In short, there is no precise threshold in degrees at which Lapeyronie’s disease must be treated. The main criterion is the impact on your quality of life, whether physical, sexual or psychological.
Some men can live with a slight curvature without major discomfort, while others, even with a moderate deformity, may experience profound distress. Therefore, each case must be assessed individually, taking into account your feelings and expectations.
Treatment options are numerous, ranging from conservative treatments such as PRP injections or the use of pumps, to surgical interventions adapted to more severe cases. Furthermore, psychological support is a crucial aspect that should not be overlooked.
I therefore invite you to discuss your situation openly with a specialist in urology and andrology , who will help you make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Finally, if you’d like to explore these topics further, I encourage you to check out my other resources and videos dedicated to Peyronie’s disease , available treatments, and male sexual health. Together, we can find solutions to improve your quality of life.
