Peyronie's Disease (PD), coined by physician Francois de Peyronie in 1743, is the formation of "plaques" in tissues that make up the inner wall of the penis. Diagnosis can be determined by a number of factors, such as pain in the course of erection, some form of bending or arching and a decrease in penile length. In addition, 40 percent of reported cases of PD have claimed some form of erectile dysfunction.
Causes
The inner penal wall where plaque is formed is called the tunica albuginea, and connects the two chambers of the corpora cavernosa--the area where blood flows to stimulate an erection. Causes are not altogether known, but many physicians attribute appearance of Peyronian plaques to "overt physical trauma" or a simple breakdown of tissues as a result of age, wear or other diseases that have an effect on tissue regeneration such as diabetes and gout.
Treatment
Treatments prescribed are usually medicative or surgical. Common medications are Vitamin E, Potaba and Colchicine, which are generally geared toward reducing inflammation and scarring. Surgery is recommended based on severity of the condition, whether the condition is remaining stagnant and how the condition has responded to natural healing and medical treatments.
Exercises
There do exist natural methods of correction that can be performed at home. One exercise that can be performed to help break the plaques is the gradual bending of the erection to the opposite side of the curvature. Another exercise that can be performed while the penis is in its flaccid (non-erect) state is a methodical stretching to a full and comfortable extent. This should be performed for about seven minutes a day.
Considerations
It is important to note that the processes mentioned above should be executed piecemeal; no one should ever attempt to correct the problem in one fell swoop, at the risk of serious injury. Weight hanging can be dangerous as too much weight can result in ligament damage. Penis pumps can offer short term results (including enlargement), but are generally ineffective in the long run, expensive and have been scientifically linked to blood vessel damage.
Expert Insight
Doctors and health experts often advocate personal exercises because (when taught correctly) the person with the problem acquires the solution through the most simple of means. Physical therapy without the use of costly special devices is preparation for learning personal maintenance in order to care for oneself in the future. However, there is no current consensus on best treat PD, so it is best to consult a urologist specializing in PD.
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