Peyronie’s disease is a significant bend or curve in the penis when erect. It can cause sexual health problems as well as painful erections, though you won’t always have pain with the disease. It may be the result of trauma to the area and scar tissue that develops from that trauma.
Fortunately, this condition is treatable. In fact, if you’re looking for Peyronie’s disease treatment in Sydney, you can find it without too much difficulty. Options range from oral medications to surgical repair. Medicare may cover your treatment if it is deemed medically needed and not merely cosmetic in nature.
What Causes Peyronie’s Disease?
It’s unclear what causes Peyronie’s disease, though it becomes more common as you age. Sometimes, it’s caused by the buildup of scar tissue (plaque) on one side of the penis or the other. This plaque isn’t flexible, so when it forms, it can cause a curve that won’t straighten out on its own.
The condition could also be caused by genetics or certain medications.
What Are the Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease?
The main symptoms of Peyronie’s disease are painful erections and a curve or bend in the penis when it’s erect. Sometimes, you may develop scar tissue in other parts of the body.
How Is Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosed?
To diagnose Peyronie’s, a doctor will examine the tissue around your penis. He or she may order an ultrasound or X-ray. In very rare situations, you may need a biopsy. This is typically only the case if the diagnosis is inconclusive after less invasive testing.
What Are the Treatment Options for Peyronie’s Disease?
Peyronie’s disease can be treated surgically or non-surgically depending on whether you have erectile dysfunction in addition to other symptoms.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Oral medications and electrical current therapy are two treatment options your doctor may suggest trying before surgery. There is also an injectable medication and the best penis enlargement device that may fix the issue. Whether or not these treatments are covered by Medicare depend on their medical necessity.
Surgical Options
There are a few types of surgery used to treat Peyronie’s. Which one is right for you depends on the severity of your condition.
- Removal of scar tissue and grafting. After your doctor removes the scar tissue, a tissue graft is placed to fill in the gap.
- Placement of a prosthesis. This can be helpful if you have erectile dysfunction.
- Shortening of the longer side by removing tissue opposite the plaque. This is done so both sides are even and the curve is corrected. This typically works for more mild cases of Peyronie’s disease and is called the Nesbit procedure.
These surgeries are generally very safe, though any surgery carries some risk. In terms of recovery, it may take a couple months for the sensation to return to what it was prior to the procedure. Your bend shouldn’t return, especially if it wasn’t worsening in the months before surgery. You may lose a small amount of length — usually no more than one or two centimeters.
It will take time for the swelling to go down, but as it does, the pain should subside as well.
It’s important to have a skilled urologist perform your operation, so make sure you are comfortable with your physician and understand what will happen during the procedure.
Will Medicare Cover It?
In Australia, Medicare covers public hospital treatment. Specialists outside the hospital are also covered at 85% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule fee if you’re treated as a public patient. Medically necessary consultations, exams, and testing are covered, and your clinic may be able to bill Medicare directly.
Many Australians purchase private insurance or have a combination of Medicare and private insurance. If this is your situation and you seek treatment for Peyronie’s disease, it is more likely that the cost to you will be lower.
Conclusion
Peyronie’s disease, described as a bend or curve in an erect penis usually caused be scar tissue known as plaque, can be painful and interfere with your sex life. If this is the case for you, it’s a good idea to seek out an experienced urologist for a consultation. There are treatments — including medicine and surgery — that can help remove the curve and improve your sexual function.
