Peyronie’s Disease Treatment in Singapore

Living with Peyronie’s disease can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting both physical comfort and intimate relationships. This condition, characterised by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, causes curved and sometimes painful erections that many men find distressing. In Singapore, comprehensive treatment options are available through experienced urologists who understand the sensitive nature of this condition. Our MOH-accredited urologists provide personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs, helping restore confidence and improve sexual function through proven medical and surgical approaches.

Peyronie’s disease treatment encompasses various medical and surgical interventions designed to address penile curvature caused by fibrous plaque formation. The condition occurs when scar tissue develops under the skin of the penis, creating a hard lump or band that causes the penis to bend during erection. Treatment aims to reduce curvature, alleviate pain, and restore sexual function while preserving penile length when possible.

The approach to treating Peyronie’s disease depends on several factors, including the severity of curvature, presence of pain, impact on sexual function, and disease stability. Treatment options range from oral medications and injection therapy to surgical interventions for more severe cases. The goal is to help men regain normal or near-normal penile function while minimising potential complications.

Current treatment protocols recognise that Peyronie’s disease affects each patient differently. Some men experience mild curvature that doesn’t significantly impact function, while others face severe deformity preventing sexual intercourse. Our urologists carefully evaluate each case to determine the most appropriate treatment pathway, considering both the physical and psychological aspects of this condition.

Ideal Candidates

• Men with penile curvature greater than 30 degrees affecting sexual function
• Patients experiencing pain during erection due to Peyronie’s plaque
• Individuals whose condition has stabilised (no changes for 3-6 months)
• Men unable to achieve penetrative intercourse due to penile deformity
• Patients who have not responded to conservative treatments
• Individuals with adequate erectile function or those willing to address ED simultaneously
• Men psychologically prepared for treatment and realistic about outcomes

Contraindications

• Active phase Peyronie’s disease with ongoing changes in curvature
• Severe erectile dysfunction not responsive to medical therapy
• Bleeding disorders or inability to stop anticoagulation medications
• Active urinary tract infections or penile infections
• Unrealistic expectations about treatment outcomes
• Certain connective tissue disorders that may affect healing

A thorough evaluation by our MOH-accredited urologist is essential to determine candidacy for specific treatments. This assessment includes physical examination, measurement of penile curvature, evaluation of erectile function, and discussion of treatment goals. Understanding each patient’s unique situation ensures selection of the most appropriate treatment approach.

Oral Medications

Oral therapy represents the first-line treatment for many patients with Peyronie’s disease. Medications such as pentoxifylline and vitamin E are commonly prescribed to potentially reduce plaque size and improve penile curvature. These medications work by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation within the plaque tissue. While results vary, oral therapy offers a non-invasive starting point, particularly for patients in the early stages of the disease.

Intralesional Injection Therapy

Injection therapy involves delivering medication directly into the Peyronie’s plaque. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is an FDA-approved enzyme that breaks down the collagen causing penile curvature. The treatment protocol typically involves multiple injection sessions over several months. Other injectable options include verapamil and interferon, which may help soften plaque tissue and reduce curvature.

Surgical Interventions

Surgical treatment becomes necessary when conservative measures fail and curvature severely impacts sexual function. Three main surgical approaches exist:

• Plication Procedures: This technique involves suturing the longer side of the penis to match the shorter side, effectively straightening the penis. While this may result in some length loss, it offers reliable curvature correction with lower complication risks.
• Incision and Grafting: For severe curvatures or hourglass deformities, surgeons make incisions in the plaque and fill the defect with graft material. This approach aims to preserve penile length while correcting deformity.
• Penile Prosthesis Implantation: For men with both Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction, penile implant surgery addresses both conditions simultaneously, providing rigidity for intercourse while correcting curvature.

Technology & Equipment Used

Modern treatment utilises various technologies including ultrasound imaging for accurate plaque localisation, specialised injection devices for precise medication delivery, and microsurgical instruments for delicate tissue handling during surgery. Intraoperative techniques such as artificial erection testing help ensure optimal curvature correction.

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Before initiating treatment, comprehensive evaluation includes photographing the erect penis to document curvature degree, ultrasound examination to assess plaque characteristics, and erectile function testing. Patients may need to discontinue certain medications, particularly blood thinners, before invasive procedures. For surgical candidates, general health screening ensures fitness for anaesthesia.

Psychological preparation is equally important. Our team discusses realistic expectations, potential outcomes, and possible complications. Partners are encouraged to participate in consultations when appropriate, as Peyronie’s disease affects intimate relationships.

During the Procedure

For Injection Therapy: The procedure begins with penile block anaesthesia to ensure comfort. Using ultrasound guidance, the urologist identifies the plaque and injects medication directly into the tissue. Multiple injection sites may be necessary depending on plaque size. The entire process typically takes 15-30 minutes in an outpatient setting.

For Surgical Treatment: Procedures are performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. The surgeon creates an artificial erection to assess curvature before making precise corrections. Depending on the technique chosen, surgery duration ranges from 1-3 hours. Careful tissue handling and meticulous surgical technique minimise complications and optimise outcomes.

Immediate Post-Treatment

Following injection therapy, patients rest briefly before discharge with specific aftercare instructions. Mild swelling and bruising are expected. For surgical patients, a compression dressing is applied, and a catheter may be placed temporarily. Pain management begins immediately, with most patients experiencing manageable discomfort controlled by oral medications.

First 24-48 Hours

After injection therapy, patients should avoid sexual activity and vigorous exercise. Ice packs help reduce swelling, applied for 10-15 minutes several times daily. Gentle penile stretching exercises may begin as directed. Surgical patients require more intensive monitoring, with strict bed rest initially and careful wound care to prevent infection.

Pain typically peaks within the first day before gradually improving. Any signs of excessive bleeding, severe pain, or fever require immediate medical attention. Keeping the treatment area clean and dry prevents complications.

First Week

Injection therapy patients can usually return to normal activities within 2-3 days, though sexual activity remains restricted. Daily penile stretching and modelling exercises help optimise treatment results. Surgical patients continue wound care with gradual activity increase. The catheter, if placed, is typically removed within 1-2 days.

Follow-up appointments assess healing progress and address any concerns. Bruising and swelling gradually resolve during this period. Patients receive detailed instructions about medication use and activity progression.

Long-term Recovery

Complete healing from injection therapy occurs over several weeks, with treatment effects continuing to develop for months. Multiple injection cycles may be necessary for optimal results. Surgical recovery typically takes 6–8 weeks before resuming sexual activity. Nocturnal erections return gradually, supporting the maintenance of correction.

Long-term success requires adherence to prescribed exercises and follow-up protocols. Some patients benefit from vacuum erection devices or medications to optimize outcomes. Regular monitoring with a qualified urology doctor in Singapore ensures early detection of any recurrence and continued progress over time.

Treatment for Peyronie’s disease offers significant improvements in both physical function and psychological well-being. Most patients experience reduced penile curvature, allowing resumption of comfortable sexual intercourse. Pain during erection, common in active disease, typically resolves with appropriate treatment. Many men report improved self-esteem and reduced anxiety about intimate relationships following successful treatment.

Beyond functional improvements, treatment can prevent disease progression and worsening deformity. Early intervention often yields better outcomes with less invasive approaches. Partners frequently report relationship improvements when sexual function is restored. The ability to achieve penetrative intercourse without discomfort significantly enhances quality of life for both partners.

Treatment also addresses the psychological burden of Peyronie’s disease. Many men experience depression or anxiety related to their condition. Successful treatment helps restore confidence and intimate relationships, contributing to overall mental health improvement.

Common Side Effects

Injection therapy commonly causes temporary bruising, swelling, and mild pain at injection sites. Some patients experience penile numbness or tingling that resolves within weeks. Surgical procedures may result in temporary erectile dysfunction, typically improving within 3-6 months. Penile shortening, though usually minimal, can occur with certain surgical techniques.

Most side effects are manageable with appropriate care and resolve without long-term consequences. Following post-treatment instructions carefully minimises these temporary effects.

Rare Complications

Serious complications remain uncommon with experienced surgeons. Potential risks include infection requiring antibiotic treatment, haematoma formation necessitating drainage, or excessive scar tissue development. Rarely, penile fracture can occur during injection therapy if proper precautions aren’t followed. Surgical complications might include graft failure or persistent erectile dysfunction.

Our experienced urologists employ meticulous techniques and comprehensive pre-operative planning to minimise these risks. Careful patient selection and adherence to proven protocols ensure optimal safety. Should complications arise, prompt recognition and management prevent long-term consequences.