Sexual Advice

Peyronie's Disease

— Enfermeiros Renato Gonçalves e Francisco Martins —

Peyronie's disease is one of the causes of erectile dysfunction and there is a treatment in Portugal with 70% effectiveness!

Peyronie's Disease

This can be seen as one of the most common responses given to the embarrassing situation in which a man is haunted by the “ghost” of Erectile Dysfunction.

More than a misfortune, impotence involves cultural values regarding the expectations of sexual behaviours of men and women.

Only at the end of this century did pharmacological solutions begin to emerge, such as: Viagra, Uprima, Cialis and Levitra, which have become very important in combating erectile dysfunction. However, at the same time that it solved the “x” of the issue, these medications affected the practices of young and old alike.

From these “side effects”, more and more cases have emerged proving that the inability to complete intimate relations results in fear, decreased self-confidence, loss of self-esteem, and depression. The instant power of the medication, in some cases, tends to distance affection and concern for health in the pursuit of an “enviable” sexual performance.


DEMYSTIFYING THE “GHOST”
A study conducted in Portugal observed that the overall prevalence of any type of sexual dysfunction reached 23.9% of the male population between 18 and 75 years. Of these, around 13% showed some degree of erectile capacity loss.

Being erectile dysfunction (ED) a very frequent condition, it is necessary to look at this condition from the perspective of normalization and problem-solving, like all other conditions, and never as a reason for exclusion and discrimination.

According to the 4th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM), held in 2015, erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as “the persistent or recurrent inability to attain or maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual satisfaction”.

Previously considered a psychological disease, today it is recognized that this condition results from biological as well as psychological and psychiatric factors, socio-cultural, pathological, and consequent from the use of certain therapies and recreational drugs.

One of the causes of ED is also Peyronie's disease, scar tissue that develops inside the penis, resulting in curved and often painful erections, causing ED.

The cause of Peyronie's disease is not completely known, however, there are some factors that increase the risk of developing scar tissue around the penis, such as biological, pathological factors, or, most frequently, some trauma to the penis from a sexual act.

THE TREATMENT
The emergence of low-intensity shockwave therapy has brought great hope in addressing this issue. This was proposed as a new and innovative treatment for erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease.

Low-intensity shockwaves are distinguished as they aim to restore the erectile mechanism, so that men are more likely to have erections without medication, allowing for a cure.

Thus, considering these results, low-intensity shockwave therapy is considered in the Guidelines of the European Association of Urology as a first-line therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

HOW DOES THE TREATMENT WORK?
Low-intensity shock waves are sound waves that promote local microtraumas, leading to the creation of new blood vessels as a consequence of these microtraumas. These promote the supply of proteins in that region, which stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularisation) from the pre-existing capillary network, improving erection and penile rigidity.

Shock wave therapy restores spontaneous erections, recovers the erectile tissue of the corpora cavernosa, and does not interact with other medications.

The treatment results are achieved gradually, where the patient needs to trust both the healthcare professionals and the effectiveness of the treatment, as well as have patience/resilience and commitment to follow all therapeutic indications proposed by the doctor and nurse during the treatment, as well as ensure regular attendance at treatments.

We share the opinions of some patients who successfully completed the treatment, regarding the treatment and the team that accompanied them:
“I am 70 years old and was diagnosed with Peyronie's disease. I underwent low-intensity shock wave treatment. I did 10 sessions with Nurse Renato Gonçalves at HPA. The result exceeded my expectations.”
“I have just completed a treatment of 5 shock wave sessions. I felt an improvement after the 3rd treatment. At the moment, I feel normal as when I was young. Nurses Renato and Francisco are excellent people, they know how to talk to patients, and make them feel at ease. I was satisfied with the treatment and would definitely recommend it.”
“I am 46 years old and suffer from Erectile Dysfunction. I underwent treatment with Nurse Renato and Francisco, which worked perfectly. It is a treatment that does not cause pain, where I was very well treated, and various processes were explained throughout the treatment.”
In summary, sexuality is a central aspect of human life, being a relevant parameter in evaluating the quality of life.
Erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease are directly linked to sexuality, and can have a negative effect on overall health, as the inability to complete intimate relations results in fear, decreased self-confidence, loss of self-esteem, and depression.

We can affirm that this treatment is undoubtedly the best solution for a problem that affects more than 150 million men worldwide, where the main challenge is taking the first step to undergo the treatment.
These treatments are carried out at the HPA Saúde Group, in the Gambelas unit. The treatment can be scheduled via email or by calling 967178009 (weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm).

After scheduling, a consultation is conducted with the reference Urologist doctor, who evaluates the patient and prescribes the indicated treatment. This is carried out weekly and each session lasts 30 to 40 minutes.
The treatment is non-invasive, PAINLESS and does not require any type of preparation, sedation, or anaesthesia.


Nurse Renato Gonçalves
Special Exams
Hospital Particular Do Algarve
Gambelas



Nurse Francisco Martins
Special Exams
Hospital Particular Do Algarve
Gambelas