A Guide to Nonsurgical Straightening of a Curved Penis

A Guide to Nonsurgical Straightening of a Curved Penis

A bending or curving of the penis, known medically as Peyronie’s disease, is a problem that affects many men. While curvature of the penis is normal to some degree, more pronounced bending can cause pain, affect sexual function, and create embarrassment.

In the past, surgery was the main option for straightening a severely curved penis. But today, a variety of effective nonsurgical treatments are available that can significantly improve curvature in many cases.

This guide will cover the leading nonsurgical therapies to straighten a bent penis, what results to expect, pros and cons of each approach, and how to know if surgery is still needed.

What Causes Penis Curvature?

A curved or bent penis is caused by scar tissue, known as plaque, that develops inside the penis. This leads to asymmetry and curves the penis during erections.

While the exact cause of the scar tissue is unknown, possible factors include:

• Genetics
• Repeated minor trauma to erect penis
• Chronic inflammation
• Abnormal wound healing

As plaque builds up, it inhibits blood flow, traps blood inside the penis during erections, and prevents straightening of the penis. Without treatment, curvature can worsen over time.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

Before considering surgery, a trial of nonsurgical options is often warranted. Leading therapies include:

Oral Medications

Several types of oral drugs may help reduce plaque formation, diminish scar tissue, and gradually straighten the penis over time. Options include:

• Potassium para-aminobenzoate (Potaba) – an oral supplement thought to help soften scar tissue and improve penile flexibility.
• Tamoxifen – an anti-estrogen drug that may inhibit collagen production and slow scar tissue formation.
• Colchicine – an anti-inflammatory drug that potentially reduces scar tissue and plaque deposits.

These medications are taken daily for a period of 3 to 6 months. Mild stomach upset is the most common side effect. Improvements in curvature range from 20-50% in clinical studies.

Injections

Direct injection of medications into the plaque that’s bending the penis is another minimally invasive approach to help straighten curvature. Options include:

• Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) – an enzyme that breaks down scar tissue when injected into the plaque. Improvement averages 20-40° of curvature.
• Interferon – an immune system protein with anti-fibrotic effects that may diminish plaque. Approximately 20-40% correction of curvature.
• Verapamil – a calcium channel blocker that disrupts collagen production and may shrink plaque. Roughly 15-35° improvement.

Multiple injection sessions are usually needed over the course of several weeks. Bruising, pain, and minor bleeding are common temporary side effects.

Penile Traction and Stretching Devices

Special devices are available that gently apply tension along the shaft of the penis to gradually lengthen and straighten it without surgery. With regular daily use of 4-6 hours, these devices can effectively reduce curvature by:

• Stretching scarred tissues in the penis
• Promoting growth of healthy penile tissues
• Preventing scarring from getting worse

Clinical trials demonstrate average reduction in curvature of 10–40%. Little risk of side effects exist with proper use of these devices.

Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy focuses sound waves on calcified plaques inside the penis, breaking them down. This enhances blood vessel and tissue growth to help reshape and straighten the penis over a course of treatments.

Clinical evidence indicates this can lessen curvature by approximately 20% on average. There is minimal risk of side effects like bruising or discomfort with shockwave therapy.

The Role of Surgery

In cases where nonsurgical options don’t adequately improve a severely curved penis, surgery may be warranted. Surgical procedures like plaque incision or excision and penile grafting can effectively treat curvature when performed by an experienced reconstructive urologist.

Surgery has risks of side effects like reduced sensation, impotence, and scarring. But for disabling curvature interfering with sexual function, it can restore a straight, fully functional penis when less invasive treatments fail.

The Outlook for Straightening a Curved Penis

Moderate to severe curvature of the penis due to Peyronie’s disease is a treatable problem. With today’s nonsurgical therapies, many men can achieve substantial straightening without the risks of surgery.

Open communication with your urologist helps determine the best options for your individual case. Have realistic expectations, as residual bending may remain for severe curves. But with the right approach, significant improvements in straightness are possible along with restored sexual function and confidence.

Questions to Ask About Straightening a Curved Penis

If embarrassment has kept you from addressing a bent penis, take courage. Many medical solutions exist today. Talking to a urologist knowledgeable in Peyronie’s disease is the vital first step.

Here are key questions to ask at your initial consultation:

Assessing Your Condition

• What degree of curvature or bending is present?
• Where along the shaft is the curve located?
• Is the curvature getting worse, staying stable, or improving?
• Is there calcified scar tissue or plaque present?
• Does the curvature cause pain or interfere with sexual function?

Your Treatment Options

• Would oral medications, injections, traction devices, or other nonsurgical options benefit my case?
• What results can I expect from nonsurgical treatment?
• How many sessions and what duration would treatment involve?
• Am I a candidate for surgery based on the severity of curvature?
• What are the risks and potential complications of surgery?

Choosing the Ideal Approach

• What treatment plan do you recommend for producing the best outcome based on my condition?
• Is combination therapy with multiple modalities beneficial in my situation?
• How much improvement in curvature and sexual function can I expect?
• What options are available if initial treatment fails to help?
• Do you have before/after photos I can view of patients with similar cases?

Don’t let worries over embarrassment or costs prevent you from seeking help for a curved penis. Today’s therapies offer real hope for improving your condition.

Coping with a Curved Penis

Discovering you have Peyronie’s disease and a curved penis can be emotionally difficult. But several healthy coping strategies can help you come to terms with the condition while exploring your treatment options.

Get the Facts

The first step is overcoming fear and denial to really understand the problem. Learn all you can about:

• The underlying cause and outlook for progression
• How significantly it affects size, shape, and function
• Your full range of treatment options, risks, and benefits

Accurate information is empowering and allows wise decisions.

Share Selectively

Letting loved ones know about your struggles can gain valuable support. But be selective whom you tell to avoid gossip. Consider:

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.