Peyronie's plaque or scar central issue
The central issue of Peyronie’s disease is the infamous Peyronie’s plaque, also called a scar. Peyronie’s disease typically occurs in men between 40 and 65 years of age, although a range of 16 to 80 years is documented; some experts say it can occur at any age. From personal communication with a particular man, I was told that his own Peyronie’s disease was started after a dog bite to the groin – at the age of 10. Nonetheless, it is most important to recognize that all clinical signs and symptoms of Peyronie’s disease originate from the effects of the plaque upon the internal tissue layers (tunica albuginea) of the penis.
A developing Peyronie’s plaque appears in response to either micro-trauma to the small blood vessels from a single injury of great force, or multiple injuries of a small force. While there is strong evidence that genetic factors and drug factors also influence the start of PD, it is trauma that is usually considered to be the most likely cause of the Peyronies plaque or scar.
A Peyronie’s plaque on the cellular level initially consists of fibrin threads deposited in a massive network throughout an area of injury within the tunica albuginea of the penis. Peyronie’s plaques, or scars, later combine the dense threads of fibrin connective tissue with reduced and fragmented elastic connective tissue fibers, as well as excessive amounts of type III collagen material, which happens to be specially inclined to excessive scar development. In about one-third of chronic cases of Peyronie’s disease, calcification of the plaque can occur over time. For more technical information about the Peyronies disease plaque.
The curvature of the Peyronies penis is due to the fact that scar tissue does not stretch as easily or as fully as healthy normal tissue. The normal tunica albuginea is composed of elastin fibers and collagen, although the site of scar tissue from Peyronie's disease is composed mostly of collagen. This difference in composition of these two tissues is what causes a bent penis to develop during erection.
Eventually as one or more Peyronie’s plaques develop into a mass of hardened tissue in the delicate tunica albuginea, it results in variable pain and penile distortion that most often takes the form of a bend or curve; sexual function is often reduced as a result of direct or indirect affects of Peyronie’s disease, also. The penile curvature of Peyronie's disease is caused by the dense inelastic scar, or plaque, material that shortens the involved side of the tunica albuginea layer that covers the corpora cavernosa of the penis. In approximately one third of patients, the scarring involves either the top or bottom portion of the penis shaft, occasionally both. The lateral sides of the penis can also be affected by Peyronie’s plaque development, if that area experiences injury.
Peyronie's plaque not easy to find sometimes
In some men the Peyronies plaque is easily found on manual examination, in others it is found with difficulty, and in some men no Peyronies plaque is ever located. It can be frustrating to have a wicked penis distortion, and still not be able to locate the Peyronie’s plaque.
To locate the plaque or scar material a light and inquisitive touch is most effective. Do not be heavy-handed, or press down into the deeper layers to find the Peyronie’s plaque material, because it is found just below the surface of the skin. And, oh yes, you will never directly see the plaque or scar, since it is not on the surface of the skin, but below. Make peace with the Peyronie’s plaque and do not hate it, just determine how to assist your body to remove it.
To learn about using Alternative Medicine to increase your ability to heal and repair the Peyronie’s plaque, a good place to start is the PDI website, Peyronie's disease treatment introduction.
I am turning 50 in a month and noticed 2-3 months ago that my penis had changed. I noted an atrophy near the top and some slight bend. I searched the internet with “bent penis” with no results. A month later I noticed a nodule and a thin cord like band extending from my base to the scar. Finally I had discovered what is was from reading enough articles on the internet. I was depressed immediatly, and worse when I noticed my loss in length and girth. I was not large before, but was a least above average and had no complaints. My whole life I have been lucky in health, and never had any serious problems, save for planter facitis (related?) I am in decent health and very active, so didn’t understand why this affect me, of all the things that could. I think I’d rather have a worse disease then PD. At least I could have a happy sex life before I died.
Well, I was just about to order a stretcher (not cheap) and fond the PDI site and gained new hope. I read enough to see that is wasn’t about the money and really seemed to understand what I was going through.
I had just recently separated after 23 years of marriage though I was not happy about it, but thought I would just start over, then it hit me. PD hit me, that is. So much for a new life and new conquest. I thought i’d just be a hermit and contemplated the worse.
Anyway, just received my supplements and stretching CD from the money I was going to use for the stretcher devise (better investment I think) . I plan on going at it with everything I can and will keep a diary for those that it may help in the future.
I do have a question though. As a chiropractor, I have been exposed to some alt med ideas. The latest is cold laser. Not alt med per se, but used by many DCs and MDs for the treatment of injuries and even scar tissue.
Have any trials been used for PD using cold laser. It seems that it could be an effective treatment when reading about the uses and results in research. I’d be tempted to buy one and find out for myself, but wanted to ask if any liturature exist about it yet. Or think it may worsen the condition.
Well that’s my story to date, short and not sweet. I think it is only two to three months old so have hope that helps. In addition, it isn;t as bad as some I have read, but afraid it could get worse, from what I read as well. My penis bends to the left at about 20-30 degrees I think, and I haven’t lost a great deal of function, but do have some ED that I had before all this.
Again, I’ll keep everyone posted, and hope to hear some news about cold laser thearapy. Thanks for at least giving me some hope for the future which has been the best thing yet since this affliction hit me. Take care, John
Greetings John/Whidbeyboy,
Most work done with cold laser for Peyronie’s disease treatment has been anecdotal to this point. In the past I have contacted several cold laser manufacturers to determine their interest in doing a research project with PDI, but none have ever expressed enough confidence in their products to do anything with a group of PD men. Many laser manufacturers say their products have been used successfully on Peyronie’s plaques and distortions, but they also seem reluctant to be pinned down on technique and details of recovery. This makes me understandably suspicious of what is told to me. Since most of these units are priced in the $25-40K range, I would want greater assurance before starting out with any one particular manufacturer. If you have any thoughts along that line, please let me know before you proceed so that we can perhaps work together for your benefit.
Yes, even though your bent penis might not be too severe at this time, do not make the mistake of assuming it will always stay that way. Peyronie’s disease has a nasty way of worsening over time. That is why it is so important to begin restorative care as soon as possible. TRH
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