Can Exercises and Stretches Help Improve Peyronie’s Disease?

Introduction to Peyronie's Disease

Peyronies disease is a condition where scar tissue, known as plaque, builds up in the soft tissue of the penis resulting in bent, painful erections. The exact cause is unknown but it often develops after trauma or injury to the penis. It is thought to affect approximately 5% of men, usually middle-aged or older. In addition to the plaque formation and penile deformity, Peyronies disease can also lead to erectile dysfunction in severe cases.

While there is no definitive cure, several treatment options are available that can potentially reduce symptoms and improve penile function. Along with medications and injections, certain exercises and stretches have been found to be beneficial for some men with Peyronies disease.

Can Exercises and Stretches Help Improve Peyronies Disease?

Research on the efficacy of exercises for Peyronies is limited. However, gentle stretching and massage techniques are thought to potentially:

• Soften the plaques or scar tissue
• Loosen constricting bands around the penis
• Minimize penile shrinkage and deformity
• Improve flexibility and reduce pain with erections
• Increase length if used in early stages

While not proven to reduce actual plaque, regular stretching may help slow progression of the curvature deformity. Here are some of the most commonly recommended exercises for Peyronies disease.

Manual Penile Stretching

This involves gently stretching the flaccid penis in the opposite direction of the curvature for 30 seconds, followed by massaging the plaques. Build up to performing the stretches 2-3 times per day for 5-15 minutes. Use lubrication and stop immediately if any pain occurs. Slow stretching may loosen contracted scar tissue over time.

Penile Traction Devices

These provide gentle, continuous stretch to the penis through use of an adjustable traction device/extender worn for multiple hours per day. Studies show penile traction therapy reduces curvature deformity and increases length in some Peyronies patients.

Vacuum Therapy

Use of a vacuum erection device helps stretch the tissues by drawing blood into the penis prior to intercourse. Vacuum therapy has been found helpful for reducing pain and maintaining penile size if used regularly.

Tips for Safely Performing Peyronies Exercises

Consult Your Doctor

Discuss exercise plans with your urologist first, especially if the plaque is calcified or you have severe pain. Stop immediately if any exercise causes discomfort.

Warm Up First

Always warm up with a hot compress or towel around the penis to increase elasticity before stretching. Use lubricant to minimize friction.

Go Slow and Gentle

Never force a stretch or rush the process. Gently stretch in the opposite direction of the plaque and hold for up to 30 seconds. Over-stretching can worsen the condition.

Focus on Length Early On

In early stage Peyronies, focus on gentle length-wise traction of the penis to minimize shrinkage.

Work on Reducing Bend Later

For established curvatures, aim to gently stretch in the opposite direction of the bend to straighten.

Do Penile Massage

Massaging the plaques daily may help soften them. Use lubricant and gentle pressure.

Lifestyle Changes to Complement Peyronies Exercises

Take Breaks from Sex

Resting the penis from sexual activity for 1-2 months can allow exercise and traction therapy to work most effectively at reducing deformity.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is linked to progression of Peyronies disease. Quitting can support your treatment efforts.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol

Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of Peyronies. Limit intake to support exercises.

Manage Chronic Conditions

Get diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other chronic illnesses under control through medications, diet and exercise.

Take Vitamin E

Some studies suggest anti-oxidant vitamin E supplements may help limit Peyronie's plaque. Check with your doctor.

Relax and Minimize Stress

Find healthy ways to manage emotional stress which may exacerbate Peyronies symptoms.

Common Questions about Peyronies Exercise Routines

Are exercises alone effective for Peyronies?

Exercise alone may help stabilize some cases but often work best when combined with medications or other therapies to soften plaques.

How often should exercises be done?

Aim for stretching and massage of the penis for 5-15 minutes once or twice daily. Traction devices are worn for multiple hours if tolerated.

Should I stretch with an erection?

No, never stretch the penis when erect as it can damage tissue. Stretch gently in the flaccid state only.

How long until I see results?

Consistency is key. Noticeable improvements may take 2-3 months. Peyronies exercises require patience as effects are gradual.

Will exercises fix the curvature permanently?

Results vary but exercises may help stabilize and reduce the bend. However, some curvature could return if exercises are halted for too long.

Exercises Alone May Not Be Enough

While Peyronies exercises can be beneficial for some patients, they have limited effectiveness on their own for severe or longer term cases. Additional medical therapies may be necessary to achieve desired improvements in curvature, pain, and sexual function.

Oral Medications

Drugs like pentoxifylline, colchicine, and Acetyl-L-carnitine work internally to diminish plaques and reduce penile deformity in some patients.

Verapamil Injections

Injecting verapamil directly into the plaques helps soften scar tissue and potentially reduce curvature. Multiple injections are typically required.

Shockwave Therapy

Using soundwave energy externally on the penis breaks down plaques over a series of treatments, reducing pain and improving function.

Collagenase Injections

Injectable collagenase enzymes directly dissolve Peyronies plaques to straighten the penis when other options fail.

Surgery

If symptoms are severe, surgical procedures can correct curvature and treat erectile dysfunction once the disease has stabilized.

The Outlook for Peyronies Exercises

Mild-moderate Peyronies disease in the early stages may respond well to consistent stretching exercises and techniques used to soften plaques. While unlikely to fully eliminate curvature, they can help stabilize progressive bending and allow men to avoid or delay surgery.

However, exercises alone are not enough in many chronic, advanced cases of Peyronies. Combining penile traction, massage, and vacuum therapy with medical treatments often provides the best chance for optimizing penile health, function and straightness over time. Working closely with a urologist is key to determining the most effective Peyronies treatment plan on a case-by-case basis.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.