Penile Stretching as a Treatment for Peyronie's Disease: A Review.

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a debilitating condition that affects a sizable number of men worldwide. Current treatment options consist of oral therapy, intralesional injections, and surgery. Penile stretching has been used as a treatment for PD, including penile traction therapy (PTT) and vacuum erection devices (VEDs), with numerous trials completed or underway.

AIM: To present and summarize the current literature on penile stretching for the treatment of PD.

METHODS

Using PubMed, we performed a literature review of studies from January 1990 through July 2018 that focused on penile stretching for PD management. PTT and VED were included in the search criteria.

MAIN OUTCOME

METHODS

Penile curvature correction was effective, and stretched penile length was improved.

RESULTS

PD therapies that use penile stretching as a mechanical intervention to alter tissue characteristics were studied. PTT has been successful in primary penile lengthening and curvature correction in the acute phase of PD. PTT also improved length retention in men undergoing plication and incision/grafting procedures. Combination of PTT and intralesional injection therapy for PD treatment requires further investigation. There are fewer studies investigating VEDs and their role in PD management, but initial small trials suggest a role in curvature correction and penile lengthening.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile stretching is an effective therapy for PD. Data from limited trials suggest a role for PTT and VEDs in the management of PD, although further research is needed. Cowper MG, Burkett CB, Le TV et al. Penile Stretching as a Treatment for Peyronie's Disease: A Review. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:508-515.