Conceptual image representing Peyronie's disease treatment with antioxidants and pentoxifylline.

Peyronie's Disease: Can a Natural Treatment Combination Really Help?

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"A new case-control study explores the effectiveness of pentoxifylline with antioxidants for treating Peyronie's disease."

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a condition where scar tissue forms inside the penis, leading to curved, and sometimes painful erections. While it's not something often talked about, it affects a significant number of men. Prevalence rates vary, with some studies suggesting it impacts between 3.6% and 13% of the male population. It's more common than you might think, even surpassing the prevalence of diabetes.

This condition typically affects men between 50 and 55, but it can also affect younger men under 40. In these younger individuals, the disease seems to progress more rapidly, with more pronounced symptoms. Living with PD can be challenging, affecting not only physical health but also emotional well-being and relationships.

Fortunately, there are ways to manage PD, especially in the early stages. A recent study investigated whether a combination of treatments, including the drug pentoxifylline and several antioxidants, could help men with early-stage PD. Let's dive into what the researchers found and what it could mean for those seeking relief from this condition.

What Treatment Strategies Show Promise for Peyronie's Disease?

Conceptual image representing Peyronie's disease treatment with antioxidants and pentoxifylline.

The study, published in "Research and Reports in Urology," involved 307 men with early-stage PD. The participants were divided into three groups to test different treatment approaches over six months:

Here’s a breakdown of the groups and their treatments:

Group A: Received pentoxifylline (PTX) orally and via injection, along with propolis, blueberry extract, vitamin E, and topical diclofenac.
Group B: Received the same oral medications and topical treatment as Group A, but without the PTX injections.
Group C: Served as the control group and received no treatment.

The treatment in Groups A and B included a combination of oral medications, topical treatments, and, in Group A, injections. This multi-pronged approach aims to tackle PD from various angles, reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. It's like attacking a problem with a team, each member bringing a unique skill to the table.

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Peyronie's Disease?

For those affected by Peyronie's disease, these findings offer a beacon of hope. While further research is always needed to confirm these results and explore long-term outcomes, the study suggests that a combination of pentoxifylline and antioxidants can be a safe and effective way to manage the condition, especially in its early stages. It also reinforces that the best plan is a longer treatment approach, and working with your healthcare provider will deliver the best results.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/rru.s97194, Alternate LINK

Title: Efficacy And Safety Evaluation Of Pentoxifylline Associated With Other Antioxidants In Medical Treatment Of Peyronie&Amp;#39;S Disease: A Case-Control Study

Subject: Urology

Journal: Research and Reports in Urology

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Gianni Paulis, Davide Barletta, Paolo Turchi, Antonio Vitarelli, Giuseppe Dachille, Andrea Fabiani, Gennaro Romano

Published: 2015-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Peyronie's disease, and why should I be concerned about it?

Peyronie's disease (PD) involves the formation of scar tissue inside the penis, leading to curved and sometimes painful erections. This can significantly affect a man's physical health, emotional well-being, and relationships. Prevalence rates suggest it affects a notable portion of the male population, sometimes more than diabetes, making it a more common condition than often realized. The implications extend beyond physical symptoms, impacting self-esteem and intimacy. Further research into effective treatments is essential to improve the quality of life for those affected.

What is pentoxifylline, and how is it used in treating early-stage Peyronie's disease?

Pentoxifylline is a drug used in some treatment approaches for early-stage Peyronie's disease. In the study, it was administered orally and via injection in combination with other treatments like propolis, blueberry extract, vitamin E, and topical diclofenac. The significance of pentoxifylline lies in its potential to reduce inflammation and fibrosis, key factors in PD progression. This multi-pronged approach aims to tackle PD from various angles, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals. It's important to note that while the study showed promising results, further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand long-term effects.

I've heard about antioxidants being used for health. How do antioxidants help with Peyronie's disease?

Antioxidants, such as propolis, blueberry extract, and vitamin E, are used in combination with pentoxifylline to manage early-stage Peyronie's disease. Antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress, which is believed to contribute to the development and progression of PD. By mitigating oxidative stress, these compounds may help reduce inflammation and fibrosis in the penis, potentially alleviating symptoms and improving outcomes. The implications are significant, as antioxidants offer a relatively safe approach to managing PD, especially when combined with other treatments like pentoxifylline and topical diclofenac. However, additional research is needed to fully understand the long-term effectiveness and optimal dosages of these antioxidants.

Can you explain how the treatment groups were structured in the study?

The study involved dividing 307 men with early-stage Peyronie's disease into three groups to test different treatment approaches over six months. Group A received pentoxifylline (PTX) orally and via injection, along with propolis, blueberry extract, vitamin E, and topical diclofenac. Group B received the same oral medications and topical treatment as Group A, but without the PTX injections. Group C served as the control group and received no treatment. This design allowed researchers to compare the effectiveness of different treatment combinations and determine whether the addition of PTX injections provided significant benefits.

What is topical diclofenac, and how does it help with Peyronie's disease symptoms?

Topical diclofenac is a treatment applied directly to the skin and used in conjunction with oral medications and injections for managing Peyronie's disease. Topical diclofenac helps reduce inflammation and pain locally in the affected area. Its significance lies in providing targeted relief directly where scar tissue forms, potentially improving comfort and function. Using topical diclofenac as part of a combination therapy approach aims to address various aspects of PD, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. While it is generally considered safe, potential side effects, such as skin irritation, should be monitored. As part of a multi-faceted approach it will hopefully improve the quality of life for those affected.