Can Exercises Help a Curved Penis?
Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a condition that causes an abnormal curvature of the penis. The curvature can be associated with a mild ache in the penis. It can be the cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). Peyronie’s disease exercises are sometimes used as an at-home treatment.
Phases of PD
There are two phases of PD: the acute phase and the chronic phase. The acute phase is when plaque forms and curvature begins. This usually lasts five to seven months, but can also last as long as 18 months in rare cases. The chronic phase usually follows and is marked by a stabilization of plaque formation and curvature. Your treatment will depend on the phase of PD.
Massage
Massage could be a way to treat Peyronie’s disease, though there’s little research evidence to find it effective. However, its use often is recommended along with injection treatments in people with mild symptoms as defined by the angle of the curvature.
Stretching Exercises
Milking, also known as jelqing, is a penis stretching exercise in which the penis is massaged to create micro-tears. Once the healing process of these micro-tears begins, the idea is that the penis can appear longer and thicker. Some research has shown that stretching exercises may offer some help in correcting the curvature of your penis.
Penile Traction Therapy (PTT)
Penile traction therapy (PTT) is an exercise that requires wearing a device on the penis. It is intended for daily use for a designated period of time. The idea behind PTT is that it can gently apply pressure to help straighten the penis or reduce curvature.
Other Treatment Options
For severe cases of Peyronie’s disease, you may need to look for treatments beyond at-home exercises. For example, injections with a medication first used to treat Dupuytren, called Xiaflex (collagenase), are now approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PD.
Conclusion
Peyronie’s disease is a condition that can cause an abnormal curvature of the penis, leading to erectile dysfunction. While exercises such as massage, stretching, and traction therapy may offer some benefits, they should only be used as part of a healthcare provider’s treatment plan. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual case of Peyronie’s disease.
FAQs
- What are the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease?
- The most common symptom is a curvature of the penis, which can be accompanied by a mild ache in the penis.
- What are the risk factors for developing Peyronie’s disease?
- Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, vascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking history, erectile dysfunction, trauma to the penis, prior prostate cancer treatment, and certain autoimmune disorders.
- How is Peyronie’s disease diagnosed?
- A physical exam and, in some cases, imaging tests are used for diagnosis.
- What are the treatment options for Peyronie’s disease?
- Treatment options include injections, such as Xiaflex (collagenase), vacuum erection devices, penile modeling, and implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP).
