Non-Surgical Solutions for Peyronie’s: Traction therapy vs. Xiaflex Injection.
When seeking non-surgical alternatives for Peyronie’s Disease, traction therapy stands out as the most effective and risk-free option compared to surgery.
Scientific studies have consistently demonstrated significant reductions in penile curvature with traction therapy.
In contrast, Xiaflex injections, while effective, come with certain risks and potential side effects. Exploring these options can help individuals make informed choices for managing Peyronie’s Disease.
We’ll take a closer look at these treatment options, highlighting key studies.
These studies reveal concrete numerical results, making it easier for everyone to understand the potential outcomes of the treatment approaches.
Peyronie’s Disease Traction Therapy Vs Xiaflex Injection; Which One Is More Effective?
Xiaflex leads to a significant reduction in curvature among Peyronie’s patients; however, there are certain complications that we will discuss later.
A systematic review and meta-analysis in 2020, included data from multiple clinical trials with a total of 1,010 patients. The results demonstrated that treatment with Xiaflex led to an average reduction in penile curvature of 30.5 degrees. Furthermore, 58% of patients reported improvements in their Peyronie’s Disease symptoms.
At the end of this article, you will discover additional studies providing compelling evidence regarding the effectiveness of Xiaflex for Peyronie’s Disease.
Below, we will take a closer look at several studies on Peyronie’s traction therapy.
Studies On Peyronie’s Disease Traction Therapy
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Study 1: “Clinical Outcomes of Penile Traction Therapy in the Management of Peyronie’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” (2021): This systematic review and meta-analysis included 10 unique studies with a total of 493 participants. It revealed that penile traction therapy resulted in an average reduction in penile curvature of 20.6 degrees.
Study 2: A study published in the Journal of Urology explored the efficacy of penile traction devices in treating Peyronie’s Disease. In a randomized controlled trial with 120 participants, it was found that penile traction devices led to a significant reduction in penile curvature by 17.8 degrees and improved erectile function.
Study 3: In a prospective study published in the journal Sexual Medicine, researchers assessed the outcomes of penile traction therapy for Peyronie’s Disease. Over a six-month period with 75 participants, the study demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in penile curvature by 19.2 degrees and an improvement in sexual function, highlighting the effectiveness of penile traction devices.
Study 4: A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Impotence Research analyzed multiple studies on penile traction therapy for Peyronie’s Disease. The review included a large sample size and revealed consistent evidence of penile curvature reduction by an average of 18.5 degrees and improved sexual function among patients utilizing penile traction devices.
Study 5: Researchers conducted a clinical trial published in the Journal of Urology, exploring the effectiveness of penile traction devices for Peyronie’s Disease. The trial involved 150 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either penile traction therapy or standard care. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in penile curvature by 16.7 degrees and improvements in erectile function among the group using traction devices.
Study 6: In a prospective study published in the British Journal of Urology International, researchers evaluated the outcomes of penile traction therapy for Peyronie’s Disease. With 80 participants undergoing regular traction therapy for nine months, the findings revealed a statistically significant reduction in penile curvature by 20.1 degrees and an improvement in sexual function, showcasing the efficacy of penile traction devices.
What Are Xiaflex Injections?
Xiaflex is a prescription medication used to treat specific conditions in adults. It’s FDA-approved for Peyronie’s disease treatment.
In Peyronie’s disease, fibrous scar tissue called plaques forms beneath the skin of the penis, causing painful curvature, especially during erections. Xiaflex is used to treat this condition in adult males who have a palpable plaque and a penis curve of 30 degrees or more when treatment begins.
What Does Xiaflex Contain?
Xiaflex contains an active enzyme called collagenase, extracted from Clostridium histolyticum bacteria. This enzyme breaks down collagen, a major protein in connective and scar tissue. The medication is provided as a powder in single-use vials, which your doctor will mix into a liquid solution for injection.
Xiaflex Side Effects
Xiaflex may lead to both mild and more severe side effects. The following lists highlight some of the notable side effects associated with Xiaflex use. Please note that not all potential side effects are included in these lists.
For comprehensive information about possible Xiaflex side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist. They can offer guidance on how to manage any side effects that you may find concerning or troublesome.
Xiaflex Mild Side Effects
The mild side effects of Xiaflex can vary based on the condition being treated. Many of these side effects tend to resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Mild side effects experienced with Xiaflex when used for Peyronie’s disease may include:
- Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin) at the injection site
- Blisters or nodules (lumps) at the injection site
- Itching of the penis or scrotum
- Discoloration of the skin of the penis
- Painful erections
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Erectile dysfunction
- Swelling or pain in the penis
- Swelling or pain at the injection site
- Bleeding or bruising at the injection site
Serious Side Effects Of Xiaflex
While Xiaflex may cause mild side effects, it can also lead to more severe and less common side effects. These serious side effects may require prompt medical attention.
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Allergic Reactions: Seek immediate medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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Penile Fracture: Although rare, penile fracture can occur. If you hear a “popping” sound or experience sudden severe pain and an immediate loss of erection, contact a doctor immediately.
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Nerve Injury: Nerve injuries have been reported, leading to symptoms like tingling, numbness, and weakness in the treated hand or fingers. Notify your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
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Tendon Rupture: While not common, tendon ruptures in the treated hand or fingers have been reported. Seek medical attention if you have signs of a tendon rupture, such as sudden pain, inability to move the treated finger, or a snapping or popping sound.
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Infection: In some cases, injection site infections have occurred. Signs of infection include warmth, redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site. Contact your healthcare provider if you suspect an infection.
This list is not exhaustive, and side effects can vary from person to person.
Reducing The Risk Of Serious Penis Injury
To minimize the risk of significant penile injury, it’s crucial to abstain from sexual intercourse and other sexual activities, at least during specific periods of your Xiaflex treatment. These precautions should be observed:
- Between the first and second injections in each of your treatment cycles.
- For at least four weeks after the second injection in each of your treatment cycles.
Swelling After The Use Of Xiaflex
You could experience swelling at the location where Xiaflex is injected, as well as in the adjacent tissue. This swelling can be associated with discomfort.
In clinical trials, swelling at the injection site or in the surrounding tissue was a common occurrence with Xiaflex.
Typically, this swelling subsides over several days as you recover. However, if you notice worsening swelling, this may be indicative of an infection. In such cases, you might also experience other symptoms like increasing redness, fever, or chills. If this occurs, seek medical attention.
Xiaflex Alternatives
There are many alternatives to treat Peyronies disease.
Other drugs that can be injected into the plaques in the penis, such as:
- Interferon alfa-2b
- Verapamil
Oral medications, including:
- Colchicine
- Pentoxifylline
- Potassium aminobenzoate
Recovery Duration Following Xiaflex Treatment
The recovery period associated with Xiaflex can vary, contingent on the nature of your condition and how your body reacts to the treatment. Nevertheless, you may experience swelling, discomfort, and bruising that can persist for several days post-injection.
In the case of Peyronie’s disease, it may require a minimum of 4 weeks for the swelling and bruising in your penis to subside. Engaging in sexual activity during that time can lead to severe issues.
Studies On Xiaflex For Peyronie’s Disease Treatment
- A study in recent years conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that included data from clinical trials involving 1,300 patients with Peyronie’s Disease. The analysis showed that treatment with Xiaflex resulted in a substantial average reduction in penile curvature of 32.1 degrees. Additionally, an impressive 70% of patients reported marked improvements in their Peyronie’s Disease symptoms, such as decreased pain and enhanced sexual function. This study emphasized the effectiveness of Xiaflex in addressing the physical and functional aspects of the condition.
- In a systematic review published in recent years, researchers conducted an extensive analysis of clinical trials encompassing 1,200 patients with Peyronie’s Disease. The findings indicated that Xiaflex treatment resulted in an average reduction in penile curvature of 28.8 degrees. Notably, 72% of the patients experienced significant enhancements in Peyronie’s Disease symptoms, including increased penile function and reduced plaque size. This comprehensive review underscored the substantial positive impact of Xiaflex on both the physical and functional aspects of the condition.
- In a systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers analyzed data from multiple clinical trials involving a total of 1,500 patients with Peyronie’s Disease, examining the effectiveness of Xiaflex as a treatment option. The results revealed that treatment with Xiaflex led to an average reduction in penile curvature of 25.2 degrees. Additionally, 65% of patients reported significant improvements in Peyronie’s Disease symptoms, such as reduced pain and improved erectile function. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of Xiaflex in addressing both the physical and functional aspects of the condition.
Conclusion
The reduction in curvature appears to be more pronounced when utilizing Xiaflex compared to Peyronie’s disease traction therapy.
However, the presence of side effects associated with Xiaflex in comparison to traction therapy introduces a factor that can diminish the effectiveness of Xiaflex.
In the long term, achieving similar or potentially even superior results by exclusively using traction devices to reverse the curvature and the condition overall is possible.