Peyronie’s Disease Specialist in New York: Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease is a urological disorder characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue under the penile tunica albuginea, which causes an abnormal curvature, pain, and deformity during erection. According to the clinical criteria established by the American Urological Association, this condition is not of cancerous origin, but an abnormal scarring process that alters the natural elasticity of the penile tissues, which, in many cases, complicates normal sexual activity and causes a strong psychological impact on the patient.

Peyronie’s Disease Causes

Peyronie’s disease is not sexually transmitted and is not related to oncological processes either. However, its causes are related to repeated microtrauma from vigorous sexual activities, during which the penis undergoes an abnormal scarring process that can lead to this condition. Likewise, some patients have reported experiencing an abnormal curvature after sports injuries or repetitive impacts from their physical activity. All these causes trigger your body, instead of healing the tissues normally, to produce an inflammatory reaction that results in an accumulation of dense collagen and plaques that prevent your penis from having a uniform erection.

Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms

One in ten men experiences Peyronie’s disease, which means it is a common condition; however, many of these men who experience it overlook symptoms until it becomes a daily issue. These symptoms include:

• Visible curvature: the most evident symptom is an abnormal inclination during the erection. It can be in any direction.

• Localized pain: often, you experience sharp pain or constant discomfort in your penis during an erection or sexual activity.

• Erectile issues: if you have difficulty getting or maintaining a firm erection sufficient for intercourse, it may be related to the plaque restricting your normal blood flow.

• Penis shortening: a noticeable length or thickness loss in your penis due to the lack of elasticity in the scar tissue.

Specialized Treatments Available at Shtainer Urology in New York

At our Brooklyn and Queens offices, Dr. Alfred Shtainer and his team offer two approaches to treatment: non-surgical for the active phase and surgical procedures for the chronic phase. The evaluation includes ultrasound imaging to determine the most effective method according to the patient’s degree of curvature and erectile function. Our available options include:

Non-Surgical Treatments

During the active phase, non-surgical treatments are primarily used to reduce pain, halt plaque progression, and minimize initial penile curvature. These treatments are non-invasive and don’t have long recovery periods:

• Intralesional Injections (Injection Therapy): medications are injected directly into the fibrous plaque to break down the hardened collagen fibers.

• Xiaflex (Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum): FDA-approved biologic medication that actively dissolves the collagen that triggers the curvature.

• Verapamil / Interferon Injections: alternative prescription therapies used to reduce localized pain and slow down the inflammatory process.

• Penile Traction Therapy (PTT): external mechanical traction devices worn for specific intervals daily.

• Oral Medications / Topical Therapies: often prescribed in the very early stages to manage painful symptoms and reduce inflammation.

Advanced Treatment Options for Peyronie’s Disease

If the disease advances and reaches the chronic, stable phase, the pain has completely resolved, and the penile curvature has stopped changing for at least 3 to 6 months, it means the deformity prevents comfortable sexual intercourse. Dr. Alfred Shtainer performs these specialized microsurgeries in New York:

• Penile plication: Suited for mild to moderate curvature, permanent sutures are placed on the opposite side of the plaque to tie the tissue and straighten the penis.

• Plaque incision or excision with grafting: This technique is reserved for complex or severe curvatures. The surgeon makes precise incisions in the rigid plaque to release the structural tension, then covers the opening with a biological patch to restore length.

• Penile implant placement: Placement of an inflatable or malleable prosthesis that structurally corrects the penile curvature while restoring the rigidity needed for an active sexual life.

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