Peyronie's Disease
Peyronie's disease is the development of scar tissue on the penis due to repeated injury. This disease can cause painful erections and sexual dysfunction.
Quick Answer
What it is
Peyronie's disease is the development of scar tissue on the penis due to repeated injury. This disease can cause painful erections and sexual dysfunction.
Key findings
- Grade C: Erections (Coenzyme Q10)
- Grade N/A: Peyronie's Disease Symptoms (Coenzyme Q10)
Safety
No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.
ℹ️ Quick Facts
Quick Facts: Peyronie's Disease
- Supplements Studied:1
- Research Trials:1
- Total Participants:186
- Top Supplement:Coenzyme Q10 (C)
Evidence-Based Protocol
Supplement stack ranked by research quality
Primary Stack (Tier 1)
Antioxidant that may reduce oxidative stress contributing to plaque formation
Classic antioxidant therapy for PD; may reduce plaque progression
Supporting Stack (Tier 2)
Shown to reduce plaque size and curvature in studies; supports tissue healing
Anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce fibrosis progression
May have anti-fibrotic effects; historically used for fibrotic conditions
How It Works
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a condition where scar tissue (plaque) forms in the penis, causing curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction. It typically begins after minor trauma to the penis during sex. The scar tissue forms as part of abnormal wound healing in genetically susceptible individuals. PD has two phases: the acute/active phase (pain, plaque forming, curvature worsening) lasting 6-18 months, and the stable/chronic phase (pain resolves, plaque and curvature stabilize). About 10% of men are affected.
CRITICAL: Peyronie's disease treatment depends on the phase and severity. In the acute phase, conservative management (supplements, traction devices) may help limit progression. In the stable phase with significant deformity, medical and surgical options include: intralesional injections (collagenase/Xiaflex, verapamil), traction therapy, and surgery (plication, grafting, implants). See a urologist who specializes in PD. Supplements may provide modest benefit but won't reverse established plaques. Evidence for most supplements is limited. Sexual counseling and psychological support are important components of care.
* Coenzyme Q10 has shown the most promise in clinical trials, with one study showing reduced curvature progression and plaque size compared to placebo.
* Vitamin E is the most traditionally used supplement for PD, though evidence is actually limited. It's thought to work through antioxidant effects. Often combined with other treatments.
* Acetyl-L-Carnitine has shown benefit in some studies, with effects on pain, curvature, and plaque size comparable to or better than vitamin E.
* Omega-3 Fatty Acids may help through anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects.
* PABA (Potassium Para-aminobenzoate) has been used historically for fibrotic conditions. High doses are needed, which can cause GI side effects.
* Collagen and Zinc support tissue healing in general.
Expected timeline: PD natural history: acute phase 6-18 months, then stabilizes. Supplements are most likely to help during the acute phase when plaque is still forming. Allow 3-6 months to assess benefit. Surgery is reserved for stable disease with significant deformity.
Supplements for Peyronie's Disease
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Detailed Outcomes
Research Citations (71)
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