Straight facts about Peyronie’s disease

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Peyronie's disease

 

How straight does a man’s penis need to be? Should a man be concerned if his manhood no longer points forward? Is this condition part of the normal aging process?

Peyronie’s disease, a wound healing disorder, usually afflicts men above the age of 50. The insidious bending of a man’s penis which eventually affects penetrative intercourse with his partner is not something most men would want to discuss openly. Peyronie’s disease is deemed to be less prevalent in Asian men. However, I beg to differ. The perceived lower prevalence of this disease is more likely to be due to the lack of awareness of this condition. Peyronie’s disease may not be a malignant (or cancerous) condition, but the psychological effects on these men is significant. Peyronie’s disease affects a man’s self image, his self esteem as well as his relationship with his partner.

What starts off as an off-centre organ develops into a perceiveable lump on the penis. The penile curvature results in the total inability to penetrate the partner without causing pain to either to the man or his partner and in many cases the couple. As much as everyone likes to console the man that size does not matter, for men with Peyronie’s disease, length and girth are often affected. Erectile dysfunction can also set in either due to the curvature or due to the intense psychological stress this condition afflicts on the man.

Treatment of Peyronie’s disease is not straight forward (pun intended). The presence of erectile dysfunction would make certain surgical options more applicable than others. To date, surgical intervention is still the gold standard for treatment of this condition. Other forms of treatment would help to slow down the deformation and shortening of this important male phallic symbol.

See a specialist who is trained in the treatment of Peyronie’s disease for the best outcome after a face-to-face consult to straighten things out once and for all.

Dr Ronny Tan talks about Peyronie’s disease in Asian men.

 

Testosterone Deficiency & Testosterone Therapy

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Testosterone deficiency

Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone, the hormone that is often misunderstood. Many think that it is the elixir of youth which keeps a man young forever. Others picture sportsmen getting suspended for using it to enhance performance during competitive events.

Testosterone Therapy is legitimate medical treatment for men stricken with the condition of Testosterone Deficiency (TD). Studies have shown the link between Testosterone Deficiency (TD) and Metabolic Syndrome, commonly known as Syndrome X. Metabolic Syndrome consists of obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugars or diabetes and high cholesterol. Men with TD often complain of weakened erections or erectile dysfunction, loss of morning erections, loss of sex drive or libido and generalised poor energy levels affecting their productivity at work. Some even have difficulty staying awake during important meetings or at their work desk!

The effects of TD on sexual function often results in a strain in the couple's relationship and a negative impact on a man's self esteem and confidence. TD is more common once a man reaches the age of 40 and one should never attribute these changes to normal aging. Low levels of testosterone in a man's system puts him at higher risk for heart diseases and even strokes, not to mention a decreased life expectancy.

The aim of testosterone therapy is to bring the testosterone levels of a man to the normal range so as to treat the problem that causes the symptoms above and to improve the quality of life as well as general health and well-being of the man. Initiation of testosterone therapy requires prescriptive medications from a medical doctor and there is a need for follow-up to keep the man in tip-top condition.

Do you think you or your loved one may have TD? Seek help early.