Peyronie’s disease of PD for men is identified by the fibrous plaques formation within the penis which causes pain when a man gets an erection. This characteristic of Peyronie’s disease hampers a man's ability to have a satisfactory sexual life. It’s not a common issue in men but generally it is seen in middle aged to older males. However, recent evidence suggest that even teenagers can experience this condition. In this article, we will discuss about the potential causes and treatments of Peyronie’s disease in teens.

Potential Causes of Peyronie's Disease in Teenagers:

To be safe from this issue, it’s vital to know what causes PD in a man, including teenagers.

Trauma or Injury:

Penile trauma or injury is a recognized cause of PD in teenagers. Activities such as sports injuries, rough sexual encounters, or accidental bending or twisting of the penis can result in damage to the penile tissue. This trauma triggers an inflammatory response, leading to the formation of fibrous plaques over time.

Genetic Predisposition:

Genetic factors may play a role in the development of PD in teenagers. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing fibrous tissue or an imbalance in collagen synthesis, which can contribute to the formation of plaques in the penile tissue.

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Factors:

It is believed that immune system dysregulation and chronic inflammation may contribute to the development of PD. In teenagers with an underlying autoimmune condition or a propensity for inflammatory responses, the penile tissue may be more susceptible to the formation of fibrous plaques.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive alcohol or the use of anabolic steroids are all suspected of being contributory factors to Peyronie’s Disease.

Peyronie's Disease Treatments:

Observation and Monitoring:

In some cases, especially when PD in teenagers is mild or does not significantly impact sexual function, a "watchful waiting" approach may be adopted. Regular monitoring of the condition can help determine if it progresses or resolves on its own.

Medications:

Oral therapies for Peyronie’s disease are sometimes prescribed to manage the symptoms and progression of PD. These may include vitamin E, potassium aminobenzoate, and pentoxifylline. However, the effectiveness of these medications in teenagers is not well-established, and further research is needed.

Injections:

Intralesional injections have shown promise in treating PD. Medications such as collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) or verapamil are injected directly into the fibrous plaques. These injections can help soften and break down the plaques, resulting in reduced penile curvature and improved symptoms.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT):

To encourage healing and the remodelling of the penile tissue, ESWT employs low-intensity shockwaves. It is a cutting-edge, non-invasive therapy method. Shockwave therapy for Peyronie's disease is usually risk-free and does not need any downtime. Because of this, shockwave therapy may be a highly alluring therapeutic option for older males as well as teenagers. But it's crucial to realize that men with PD or teenage PD patients must first contact a skilled physician before trying out this therapy. Many men with PD have benefited from shockwave therapy, claims MansMatters, a specialized men's clinic located in the UK. Other non-invasive therapies offered by MansMatters include EMTT, Tesla Chair and NanoVi Exo. All these treatment methods work best when used in conjunction with one another.

Surgery:

Surgery is usually considered as a last resort when other treatment options have failed, or the condition significantly affects sexual function and quality of life. Surgical procedures for PD include penile plication, grafting, or plaque excision. These procedures aim to correct the curvature and restore normal penile function.

Conclusion:

So, what have we learnt? Well, we have learnt that Peyronie's disease definitely can occur in teenagers even though it is relatively uncommon. Understanding the potential causes is hugely important for effective management of this condition. We have also come to know that physical trauma, genetic factors and immune system dysregulation may all contribute to the development of Peyronie’s disease in teens. Treatment options of PD range from no invasive procedures to surgical procedures. But before undergoing any sort of treatments it is very important to seek medical help. Doctors can provide appropriate treatments only after thoroughly evaluating this complex condition.