When physicians diagnose Peyronie’s Disease, there’s an important classification that needs to take place, as it factors greatly into the treatment options. The differences in acute and chronic PD are clear-cut, as are the different treatment options for both.
Simply put, acute is the phase of the disease when it is still changing, while chronic is when it is has been stabilized. When men are in the chronic phase of Peyronie’s Disease, there are three different medical treatments that have been shown to be effective when there is preserved erectile function.
One of the methods is Xiaflex injections, which studies have shown a good first line option for treatment with few side effects. Outcomes are greatly improved when Xiaflex is paired with RestoreX, a traction device which was shown in studies to greatly improve curvature and length, and resulted in patients being 3.5x more likely to experience a greater than 50% improvement in their condition. Sildenafil is also prescribed as an erection needs to take place for both of these treatments to be effectively administered.
There have been no permanent or long-term side effects that have been shown with this line of therapy, and research by our clinic into effectiveness demonstrated that the majority of patients do not end up requiring surgery. If the combination of Xiaflex and RestoreX isn’t successful, then plication or incision/excision and grafting to correct the curvature can be an additional option.
Other options for treatment include RestoreX on its own. Interferon can also be used, but it is a milder improvement in curvature that’s been shown in studies, although it does improve chronic pain from PD faster. Verapamil has also been suggested as a treatment, but it is likely least effective than the others detailed above.
Topical therapy, shockwaves, oral therapies and intralesional steroids are not recommended for treating PD, and there is not enough data on stem cell or platelet rich plasma treatments to clearly define their effectiveness.
You can learn more about symptoms, treatments and studies on Peyronie’s Disease on our dedicated website to PD.