Hi and welcome to MansMatters, the erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease shockwave clinic.
Today, I want to discuss Peyronie’s disease and genetics. One question posed by many of our patients is whether Peyronie’s disease runs in our genes or not, and whether other family members are at risk of experiencing it.
Over the past 40 years, a number of studies have been undertaken, but none have definitively shown genetics as a cause for Peyronie’s disease. However, there are several factors that support the theory that genetics plays a part in the onset of the condition.
Ethnicity
Peyronie’s disease occurs far more frequently in Caucasian men than in other ethnic groups. Similar to other diseases found in specific ethnicities, like cystic fibrosis, the higher prevalence of Peyronie’s disease in Caucasians suggests the presence of a genetic predisposition.
Peyronie’s disease is known as a fibroproliferative disease. This is when a fibrous plaque forms in the lining of the penis, causing it to bend when erect and inhibiting blood flow.
Other Fibroproliferative Diseases
There is a strong correlation between Peyronie’s disease and other fibroproliferative diseases, such as Dupuytren’s contracture, which is a deformity of the hand. In Dupuytren’s contracture, knots of tissue form under the skin, developing into thick cords that pull one or more fingers into a bent position.
Up to 15% of men with Dupuytren’s contracture also have Peyronie’s disease. Dupuytren’s contracture is also often found in families with a high prevalence of Peyronie’s disease, suggesting a common genetic predisposition.
Trauma
Many men can recall a traumatic event, such as being injured during sex or being hit by a cricket ball, which they believe triggered their Peyronie’s disease. However, very few men go through life without experiencing some form of injury or severe pain in their private parts. Despite this, only a few develop Peyronie’s disease.
This suggests that some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing the condition in response to trauma, while others can experience significant trauma and not develop it at all. This too points to genetics playing a role.
What Can Be Done About Peyronie’s Disease?
While the bigger question may be about genetics, the more immediate question for men suffering from Peyronie’s disease is what can be done about the condition.
For years, the answer was to wait for 18 months, use a penile pump to stretch the penis, and then, once the condition stabilised, undergo life-changing surgery to straighten and shorten the penis.
However, there is now a groundbreaking treatment: Focused Shockwave Therapy. This treatment is becoming the gold standard for Peyronie’s disease and is widely discussed in our other videos. Focused Shockwave Therapy targets the fibrous plaque that causes the bend in the penis, reducing the pain and increasing both the girth and length of the penis.
To learn more about our shockwave treatments, visit our websites at mansmatters.co.uk and peyroniesdisease.co.uk. Also, be sure to check out our YouTube channel’s video, Peyronie’s Disease Cure, which provides a comprehensive overview of all treatment options and a detailed animation of the shockwave therapy.
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