Cavernous fibrosis - what is this disease and how is it treated?

40% of men have a curvature of the penis to one degree or another. Sometimes it is a congenital and non-disturbing disorder. But it could be otherwise. Cavernous fibrosis is a disease characterized by deformation of the penis of varying degrees. It is important to consult a specialist as soon as possible if, in addition to "unevenness", symptoms of erectile dysfunction begin to appear, the genital organ hurts, because these signs will gradually increase. The sooner treatment is started, the more effective it will be. If you see a doctor in time, the chance to avoid relapses will increase several times.

Anatomically correct, the penis consists of two corpus cavernosum, which form a skeleton and are responsible for flexibility and firmness during erection. Above them, right under the skin is the main neurovascular bundle of the penis, and under them is the spongy body, in the thickness of which the urethra passes.

Normally, the corpus cavernosum consists of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue, which contains only 48% collagen, which provides strength. The rest of the volume is blood vessels, thanks to which the erectile function functions. A man is excited and increased blood flow to the genital organ, he increases and swells in order to fulfill his destiny.

It begins to manifest itself after the age of 45. In the studies of American scientists, it has been proven that in case of illness, the content of collagen fibers is about 75%, which causes deformation, stiffness and stubbornness of the penis to bending.

It is believed that severe impotence, the treatment of which with maximum dosages of synthetic stimulants (for example, Viagra) did not bring an effect, can already be regarded as cavernous fibrosis. Changes in the connective cover, being quite permanent, are completely benign and never degenerate into a malignant tumor.

Reasons

The first group includes: primary indurative cavernositis

The cause of secondary changes can usually be detected: trauma or intra-cavernous administration of drugs; radiation; chronic inflammation. Prolonged (more than 4 hours), painful erection, that is, priapism, leads to cavernous fibrosis in about 40% of cases. Very often, massive operations on the pelvic organs with damage to the dorsal or cavernous nerves lead to an acquired form of the disease.

Symptoms and signs with pictures in men

The main symptoms are visible manifestations that can be observed in the photo in men: curvature, increase in mass, narrowing, decrease in length and the inability to raise the penis. Ejaculation disorders are also sometimes observed.

The most common sign is the appearance of a plaque - first elastic, then cartilage-like swelling on the front surface of the penis. The thickening, as a rule, stretches from the head and almost to the pubic joint, the length ranges from 2 to 8 cm.

Non-intense, pulling pain, aggravated by erection, is found in 70% of patients.

However, the most common pretext for visiting a urologist is impotence, which can be either one of the symptoms or a complication that sometimes leads to significant mental illness, chronic depression and even suicidal attempts.

Diagnostics

Currently, the simplest and most informative diagnostic method is to consult a urologist with a survey and examination. Laboratory tests are required to exclude cardiovascular diseases, in particular atherosclerosis. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound scan with Doppler ultrasound. According to the diagnostic data, the doctor determines the degree of damage and the possibility of recovery.

Active stage of cavernous fibrosis: initial manifestations are formed, connective tissue cells begin to actively produce collagen. Lasts up to 18 months. Up to six months, fibrosis develops quickly and without any external signs, then the process slows down, but the main symptom is pain, which increases with erection, but a plaque is just forming. It is at this stage that conservative (drug) treatment is indicated.

The chronic phase is characterized by the absence of pain, however, calcium begins to accumulate in the formed plaque, which leads to even greater curvature and hardening of the penis. At this stage, the treatment option is usually determined by the attending physician. If erectile dysfunction is present, surgery is necessary.

Treatment of cavernous fibrosis: methods and means

As mentioned earlier, there is only one treatment option for chronic cavernous fibrosis complicated by impotence

Some surgeons, due to the large size of the plaque, remove pronounced fibrosis and place only one rod in the opposite less damaged corpus cavernosum.

One of the best solutions is physiotherapy procedures and mechanisms for eliminating penis deformities: vacuum simulators, phonophoresis, extenders, electrophoresis.

Devices for straightening the penis are often used as part of complex therapy. A fairly simple design and the need to use the apparatus for only 2 to 6 hours a day (breaks after 2 hours of stretching are required) contribute to widespread use. But most patients are confused by the duration of the course, which is at least 3 months (about six months) and the inability to use this method during sleep. It is also imperative to observe the regularity of the procedures.

Extracorporeal (outside the body) shock wave therapy, which is usually used to crush stones in the genitourinary system, is possible. With fibrosis, the norm is up to 3000 wave shocks in 4 sessions per week.

What medications are you taking?

With drug therapy, complex courses are used with the alternating use of drugs and physiotherapy procedures. Several of the most effective regimens have been identified in the modern medical literature.

The use of a long-acting inhibitor of the PDE 5 enzyme, tadalafil, shows high efficiency. Usually this medication is prescribed in the presence of erectile dysfunction, but in the case of an active phase of cavernous fibrosis, it is used even in the absence of impotence, since it reduces collagen synthesis. The dosage is set individually, but varies from 5 mg to 25 mg per dose per day.

Intra-cavernous (directly into the plaque) administration of solutions of glucocorticosteroids (Dexamethasone, Methylprednisolone), alpha-interferon and Verapamil calcium channel blocker is quite common.

Positive results are shown by the use of Xiaflex injections - an American medication based on collagenose, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Each treatment includes two injections 1 to 3 days apart and stretching procedures after the second injection 24-72 hours later. With this method, sexual activity is contraindicated for a month. On average, the duration of the course is 1.5 months, however, in some cases it may take up to 4 courses. The price for each procedure is about 7000.

The drug Peroxynorm is also used, which has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect due to the content of orgoteine. The duration of use and dosage is determined by the attending physician, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Will folk and natural remedies help?

Official medicine approved the joint intake of antioxidant vitamin E 300 mg 2 times a day and 1 g of Colchicine 2 times a day. The medicine belongs to completely natural remedies, because it is made from the root bulbs of the Colchicum Magnificent plant, which affect the deposition of uric acid in the joints. In this case, the drug also has an antimitotic effect, that is, it suppresses the division of connective tissue cells, and therefore reduces the collagen content. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. They are taken for at least six months, a significant decrease in the deformation of the genital organ is gradually observed and the pain disappears.

Treatment with other folk remedies does not bring significant positive results. Therefore, instead of self-medication, it is better to see a specialist at an early stage and prevent the need for surgery. After all, any, even the most insignificant operation, carries the risk of complications and even death.

Prevention

First of all:

• it is necessary to minimize microtrauma of the penis, therefore, self-treatment in the form of the introduction of synthetic stimulants is not recommended, not only injecting the penis, but even uncontrolled use of pills;
• you should carefully monitor the state of your body, especially men with congenital deformities, patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, in particular atherosclerosis
• and, of course, a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition are definitely included in preventive measures.