Abnormal curvature of the penis (medically known as Peyronie’s disease) is much more than a cosmetic problem. The unusual angle may lead to pain and sometimes – it will render intercourse impossible altogether.
The standard treatment for Peyronie’s disease that many physicians recommend is surgery. Needless to say, many people are troubled by the prospects of going under the knife.
There are reasons to worry and there are definitely better methods for coping with the problem. Before outlining the alternatives, let’s take a look at the pros and the cons of Peyronie’s disease surgery.
Types Of Surgeries
People that suffer from Peyronie’s disease can opt for one of the following surgical procedures:
- Penile plication
this is one of the most common solutions. Plication involves “tucking” the side of the penis that’s opposite to the place where the scar tissue has formed. Thus, the two sides of the penis become equal in length and the curvature disappears. - Incision and excision
the procedure is more complex, which is why it’s recommended as a solution for abnormal penis curvature less frequently. In the case of incision/excision with grafting, the scar tissue is either entirely excised or incised. The empty space left by the surgical removal will then be filled with a graft. - Prosthesis surgery
this is the final and probably the most invasive treatment for Peyronie’s disease. A penile implant is inserted and used to even out the two sides of the penis. Usually, this procedure is recommended to the men that suffer from both abnormal curvature of the penis and erectile dysfunction.
Pros Of The Surgery
The benefits of Peyronie’s disease surgery are several. If the scar tissue isn’t that big, surgery will be minimal and the recovery rate will be fast. In addition, most men that undergo surgery see evening of the two penis sides and they also benefit from restoration of all reproductive processes.
This is a rapid and reliable fix. Men who undergo the surgery will have the abnormal angle dealt with immediately.
Surgery is the only treatment for men that experience severe Peyronie’s disease. Severe penile curvature is defined as an angle of 60 degrees or more. In this instance, less invasive methods will be incapable of producing the desired results.
Such men are also likely to experience some pain and be completely incapacitated when it comes to having sex.
Cons Of Invasive Peyronie’s Treatments
Though Peyronie’s disease surgery does produce some benefits, there are numerous risks and disadvantages that stem from the procedure. Understanding the cons before subjecting oneself to surgery is essential:
- There’s always risk of complications, excessive bleeding and infections as a result of the surgery
- Some of the more invasive surgical procedures may cause loss of sensation in certain parts of the penis
- The most serious side effect of Peyronie’s disease surgery is erectile dysfunction
- Surgeries are incredibly expensive
- They are painful and there will be some post-operative recovery time (usually at least two months)
- When plication is used, the penis is shortened to get rid of the penis – few men feel comfortable with the loss of length
- Men that suffer from Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction cannot opt for plication or incision surgery
- The experience of the surgeon will be determining for satisfaction with the outcome
Alternatives
Because of the numerous risks, many urologists will recommend a non-surgical treatment. There are medical-grade devices that can be used to reduce the abnormal curvature and improve the erectile response at the same time.
The devices are called penis extenders.
SizeGenetics (review) and Peyronie’s Device (review here) are two examples of high quality extenders that are backed by clinical trials.
The extenders stretch the penis away from the body, forcing the formation of new tissue. This tissue makes the two sides of the penis even and it also contributes to an increase in both length and girth.
Using an extender and doing male enhancement exercises at the same time will contribute to overall improvements in reproductive health and a major reduction in the abnormal curve.
If you suffer from Peyronie’s disease, you may want to dedicate some time to doing research about treatments. Surgery isn’t the only option. Don’t hesitate to look for non-invasive methods – such possibilities do exist and your urologist will be capable of suggesting the best one.
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