OR erectile dysfunction It is the leading cause of men’s sexual disorders, as it affects more than 50% of them. Although its existence is a predictor factor in the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, at a large extent man is a symptom of another condition, of Peyronie disease. A penis injury during sexual intercourse can make erection painful or impossible and deprive them of the enjoyment of sex.
This disease occurs in 3% to 10% of adult men, between 45 and 60, without excluding its appearance in older ones. About 75% of the sufferers also have erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that 22–54% of them often find it difficult to have erections quite strong for sexual intercourse.
Both diseases lead to an increased risk of depression, low self -esteem and difficulties in the company and ultimately a decline in the quality of life of both the man and his partner. Recognizing the connection between erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease is essential for effective treatment.
“There has been a growing recognition of the relationship between Peyronie and erectile dysfunction lately. Although they can occur independently, when dealing with one condition, without taking into account the other, it can lead to incomplete therapeutic effects, “said surgeon Andrologist Urologist Dr. Anastasios Livanios.
Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Is due to various causes, including psychological factors, such as stress and the depression, as well as physical problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hormonal imbalances. Its effects extend beyond physical symptoms – often leads to emotional discomfort and relationship problems.
On the other hand, Peyronie’s disease involves the development of scar tissue (often referred to as a plaque) inside the penis – in the tunnel bodies and spongy erectile tissue. Over time, this plate accumulates and prevents the penis from being dilapidated, causing it bending upwards or one side and less rarely downwards, changes that lead to its shortening, painful erections and ultimately inability to achieve them. This situation not only complicates sexual intercourse, but also contributes to erectile dysfunction in many cases.
It is not clear what causes Peyronie disease. The main theory supports repeated penis injury during sex. Research has shown that men who have more intense or frequent sexual intercourse are more likely to develop it. A study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research has shown that penis fracture increases the risk of both erectile dysfunction and Peyronie disease, especially those treated with conservative measures or men over 45, compared to younger patients.
Also, those who have undergone prostate removal surgery tend to be at higher risk, as well as those who have a family history of the disease or an individual history of scar tissue formation in other parts of the body.
“Peyronie’s disease has two phases: active and passive. The first lasts from 3-12 months. During this time the tissue is formed and changes in the shape and curvature of the penis are observed. Also, at this stage the pain appears.
Once completed, the pain has usually receded and erectile dysfunction occurs in this passive phase, ”Dr. Lebanese explains.
The interaction of the two diseases can be attributed to various normal mechanisms. For example, Plaque formation can disrupt blood flow during stimulation, leading to difficulties in achieving erection. In addition, the psychological burden of patients due to the disease – such as embarrassment or fear of pain – can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
“In terms of treatment, it is vital to adopt a holistic approach to patients presenting either of the two diseases. The options for the treatment of erectile dysfunction include oral drugs, percussion waves, vacuum pumps and injections, while the treatment of Peyronie’s disease (no treatment) may require treatments ranging from medication to surgery. The main objective is with conservative treatment to interrupt the progression of the disease, characteristic of which is progressive deterioration.
The important thing is the correct diagnosis, which is made by taking history, clinical examination, ultrasound and rarely with other imaging methods and the recognition of the connection between erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease.
With the application of integrated care strategies, men who experience both situations can have sex life, as long as they seek help from sexual health urologists as soon as they observe penis bending, hard spots in it and pain.
Delay implies the problem. That is why the sooner they talk to the doctor about the problem they concern to them, the less the effects on their health and quality of life, “concludes Dr. Lebanese.