In a randomized, controlled trial, penile traction therapy (PTT) was associated with a low incidence of adverse events, including discomfort, sensory changes, and penile erythema. These adverse events occurred in approximately 10% of men, but only one patient exhibited symptoms for more than 24 hours and resolved within a few days. All other adverse events were resolved within minutes of stopping treatment. However, one patient experienced de novo penile curvature as a side effect.
Results of a randomized, controlled trial
There are a number of advantages of penile traction therapy (PTT), including the minimal invasiveness of the procedure and the potential for long-lasting results. However, a randomized controlled trial has a number of limitations, including the small sample size and possible selection bias. Further, large studies involving larger numbers of patients are needed to determine the long-term benefits of PTT.
This study examined the effect of penile traction on ED in men. The primary endpoint was safety and the secondary outcomes were changes in penile curvature and IIEF subdomains such as intercourse satisfaction and orgasmic function. Among the participants, the rate of spontaneous erections and overall satisfaction was increased. The number of adverse events, including decreased penile sensation and worsening ED, was low.
The authors of the study studied forty-six men with PD. Twelve underwent plaque incision with graft placement and 28 underwent penile plication. After the procedure, all subjects were randomly assigned to PTT (either eight or twelve hours per day) or observation. PTT was applied for 4 months at a minimum. The study revealed that PTT increased SPL by one to four centimeters (SPL).
Safety
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the safety of penile traction therapy for Peyronie’s disease is underway. The study will include a randomized control group of 154 men who suffer from penile curvature and length loss. Patients will undergo penile traction for 30 minutes a day, twice or three times a day. The open-label phase will last three months, and a final assessment of adverse effects will be conducted at nine months.
The results from this study are mixed, but the overall results were encouraging. The majority of men in the study reported an increase in penile girth. In general, men who were undergoing PTT reported a slight increase in SPL and penile girth after six months. This increased girth but was not statistically significant. The study also found no adverse reactions. Patients who received PTT reported a high satisfaction rate with the treatment, with IIEF increasing four points in 50% of the men who continued PTT.
Side effects
Although the effectiveness of penile traction is not yet proven, this technique has attracted significant interest in the last two decades. It involves applying longitudinal stretching forces to the flaccid penis using a mechanical device, which results in cellular changes and plaque remodeling. This therapy is relatively inexpensive, is done in the patient’s home, and is becoming an attractive treatment option for patients seeking an alternative to surgery. While the treatment may cause some side effects, it does not harm the penis.
PTT is an effective treatment for short/short penis. However, the side effects of penile traction therapy are largely unknown. A pilot prospective study reported that after six months of PTT, there were no significant changes in penile girth. Further, the study did not include men who had a penis that was too short to fit inside the device. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the efficacy of this therapy.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of penile traction therapy has been proven by several studies. It improves penile length and curvature and is less invasive than surgical options. However, it does come with a number of drawbacks. First, the participants of the study must wear a traction device for at least 9 hours daily. Additionally, it has limited side effects. This means that this therapy is not a cure-all for PD.
Another study is underway at the Mayo Clinic to determine whether penile traction therapy is effective. This study is called RestoreX and consists of men with hourglass-like deformities. Men in the study were randomly assigned to use the traction device for varying duration, and their outcomes were evaluated at three, six, and nine months. The results are expected to be published in a scientific journal.
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