Peyronie’s Disease and Viagra: How Does it Work?

Peyronie’s disease is a condition where scar tissue forms inside the penis, causing it to bend or curve during erections. While the curve itself can cause discomfort or difficulty during sex, many men also develop Erectile Dysfunction (ED), making the condition even more challenging. 

The question arises as to whether or not Viagra, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, active ingredient Sildenafil, a popular Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, can help men with Peyronie’s to regain sexual function. 

Viagra is known for improving blood flow to the penis, helping men achieve and maintain erections. However, its effectiveness in men with Peyronie’s disease is not as straightforward. While it may help improve erections, it does not treat the scar tissue or curvature that defines Peyronie’s.

This article discusses the connection between Peyronie’s disease and Viagra, clarifying what Viagra can and cannot do in terms of men with Peyronie’s disease experiencing ED.

How does Peyronie’s disease cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Peyronie’s disease causes Erectile Dysfunction (ED) primarily because the scar tissue, or plaque, forms inside the penis and reduces its ability to stretch and fill with blood during an erection. 

That is, when these plaques develop in the penis, it makes the covering around the erection chambers, called the Tunica Albuginea, less stretchy. Because of this, the penis can’t expand and fill with blood typically during an erection. It causes the penis to curve, have dents, or bend too much in one spot, which can make sex difficult or make erections weaker. 

The disease directly impairs blood flow to the penis in several ways:

• The plaque may block or narrow the blood vessels that supply the erectile tissue, reducing the amount of blood entering the penis.
• The inelastic plaque can cause blood to leak out of the penis prematurely (Veno-Occlusive dysfunction), resulting in an inability to maintain an erection.
• Over time, the surrounding smooth muscle can weaken, further compromising erectile capacity.

Can Viagra treat Peyronie’s disease?

The answer would be no. Viagra, containing Sildenafil, is not indicated to treat Peyronie’s disease directly. It is not a standard medication for improving or reversing the penile curvature, plaques, or deformities caused by Peyronie’s disease. It is not recommended as a therapy for the disease’s structural symptoms.

Viagra is specifically designed to treat ED by increasing blood flow to the penis. It works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which helps relax blood vessels and improve erection quality in response to sexual stimulation. However, it does not affect the scar tissues or the curvature of the penis caused by Peyronie’s disease.

When can Viagra help?

Viagra can help men with Peyronie’s disease primarily when they experience ED, which is a common issue in this condition. 

Viagra may help improve erections in men with Peyronie’s if:

• The curve is mild or moderate
• Erections are possible, but not firm enough for sex
• Pain during erections is not too severe

In these cases, Viagra may restore sexual confidence and improve performance, even though it doesn’t fix the curvature itself.

Side effects of Viagra for Peyronie’s disease

Men with Peyronie’s disease who use Viagra for ED may experience the same side effects as other users. Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Flushing 
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Nasal congestion or nosebleeds
• Muscle aches or back pain

More severe side effects that require medical consultation as soon as possible, though rare, include:

• Chest pain or severe dizziness
• Prolonged erection for more than 4 hours, that is Priapism
• Sudden vision loss or blurred vision, especially in one eye
• Sudden hearing loss
• Shortness of breath or severe allergic reactions

Treatment options for Peyronie’s disease

Treatment options for Peyronie’s disease depend on the severity of the condition. Options include surgery, therapy, and oral medications. 

1. Medications

Most oral medications for Peyronie’s disease, like Vitamin E, Potassium amino-benzoate, Tamoxifen, Colchicine, and Carnitine, lack strong evidence of effectiveness. 

While some early or uncontrolled studies suggested mild benefits, controlled studies generally show these treatments work no better than a placebo.

2. Penile injections

Penile injections deliver medication directly into the plaque, offering higher local drug concentration than oral treatments. They’re often used in early-stage Peyronie’s or as an alternative to surgery.

• Verapamil: It is a blood pressure medication that may reduce penile pain and curvature. It’s affordable, but more controlled studies are needed.
• Interferon: It is a natural protein that may reduce scarring by slowing tissue buildup and promoting breakdown. Larger studies suggest it may be effective.
• Collagenase: It is FDA-approved for Peyronie’s with curvatures over 30 degrees. It helps break down scar tissue and has shown positive results in clinical trials.

3. Surgery

Surgery is often recommended for men with severe penile curvature, and when other treatment options fail, usually after the disease has stabilized for at least 9 to 12 months.

There are three ways to treat Peyronie’s disease with surgery: 

• Shortening procedure: This surgery includes shortening the longer, unaffected side of the penis to match the scarred side, straightening the curve. It is best for men with good erections and mild curvature, less than 60°.
• Lengthening procedure: This surgery includes removing scar tissue on the shorter side of the penis and placing a graft, from the patient’s tissue, human, animal, or synthetic,  to cover the defect, allowing the penis to straighten and lengthen. This is used in more severe or complex deformities.  
• Penile implants: This surgery is done for moderate to severe cases of ED in men with the disease. An inflatable pump or malleable silicone rods are placed inside the penis. It helps straighten the penis and allows it to be firm during sexual activity.

Conclusion

Peyronie’s disease and Viagra are often discussed together due to the link between penile curvature and Erectile Dysfunction (ED). 

Viagra, with Sildenafil, does not treat Peyronie’s disease itself. That is, it doesn’t reduce scar tissue or fix curvature. It can help men manage ED caused by the condition, especially in mild to moderate cases. It improves blood flow and can restore sexual function, but should be used under medical supervision. 

Treatment options for Peyronie’s disease include oral medications (with limited evidence), penile injections like Collagenase, and surgery for severe cases. Surgical procedures include shortening, grafting, or penile implants, depending on the severity of curvature and erectile function.

Always consult a healthcare professional for any procedures or treatments for Peyronie’s Disease and the symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction for safety and effectiveness.