Traction

[Liam]

It has long be purported the use of traction (penis stretchers) could help Peyronies Disease.  This was met with a fair amount of skepticism due to the fact they are advertised along with what seems outrageous claims of penis lengthening.

Within the last couple of years, however, there have been some positive reports on the forum.  Mind you, no one has claimed a cure.  The reports have mostly been regaining lost length.  There were also discussions of the possibility of plaque reshaping.

The downside is the length of time it is recommended to be worn.

In June of 2006 Dr. Laurence A. Levine, a well known and respected Urologist and Peyronies Disease Specialist, announced beginning clinical trials with a major brand of penis extension devices (traction device).  The device, as prescribed by Dr. Levine, is used in combination with drugs and supplements.  Below is a copy of a press release by FastSize and Dr. Levine.

Leading Urologist Expresses Interest In Traction Device For Peyronie's Patients
Main Category: Urology / Nephrology News
Article Date: 29 Jun 2006 - 0:00 PDT
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Dr. Laurence A. Levine of Urology Specialists of Chicago, Ill is predicting wider availability of new Peyronie's Disease treatments from the medical profession following meetings at the annual American Urology Association last week.

Peyronie's Disease is caused by the build up of scar tissue in the penis. The scar tissue or "plaque" prevents expansion of the tissue of the penis to which it is attached during the erection process resulting in narrowing, shortening, and most commonly unnatural bending in the penile shaft. The disease affects as many as 10-12 percent of American males. Mechanical traction devices have been used in Europe for a number of years to stretch the penile tissues and straighten them over time. Levine's research will seek to reproduce and study this process in the U.S.

"I have had discussions with other researchers about the use of drugs such as Verapamil, which is injected into the scar tissue to modify the abnormal scarring process. There was a great deal of interest in use of the FastSize Extender as a splint, which could be used to remodel the scar tissue by stretching the penile tissue," said Levine.

"Penile traction devices, vacuum therapy devices, both with and without the use of drugs such as Verapamil and Interferon are holding out the promise of significant correction of penile deformity caused by Peyronie's Disease. We believe that viable treatment modalities that can become standards of care for this problem are now on the horizon for American patients," Levine added.

Levine is a leading American thought leader in urology research and practice. He is currently heading up trials on the FastSize Extender from FastSize LLC to further establish the efficacy of this device as a treatment for Peyronie's Disease. The device is an American-made version of similar devices used for several years in Europe. The trial, which is now under way in Chicago, will report its results later this year.

"We are very happy to note that the medical profession is taking an interest in our Extender device and the many contributions it can make to the treatment of Peyronie's," said FastSize President Brian Walter.

FastSize LLC
http://www.fastsize.com

SOURCE:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=46138

There have been many good posts on this subject under different topics.  In the near future, we will be highlighting some of them here.  

MOST IMPORTANT are the NEW POSTS TO COME from OUR MEMBERS!!!!

[dahc]

Thanks Liam & Hawk for adding this. There is current information on traction from Dr. Levine on The Association of Peyronie's Disease Advocates website about traction under Ask The Doctor/Current Q&A/Treatment.

C

[dahc]

This my answer to PM that I've modified a little and decided it would be a good idea to post:

I definitely think that the fastsize helped my erections firmness and I regained girth. It's harder to tell if I've gained length or if my curve has changed much. I've only been using it 5 or 6 weeks at the most. The men in Dr. Levine's study used it 6 months. I wear the extender in down position most the time since I were it under my clothes during the day. You add small segments to the extender weekly so your stretch gets progressively longer.

If you do get one buy some locktite. There are 2 little metal pivot pieces that can unscrew themselves during the day and fall off. I lost a couple! You can go to fastsize.com and see the product & a demo. Not too much info on Peyronie's but in their chat area users have posted ideas to make wearing the device more comfortable. This is an ADULT site and if you're easily offended don't go! I talked to someone that worked at FastSize and he said they were working on separate site for medical usage.

Also, mention Dr. Levine and they give like a $30 discount or they were when I got mine in May.

C

[allj]

Chad or anyone-The traction device is supposed to be worn 6-8 hrs a day. Can this be done at night? If so why would you prefer to wear it under your clothes during the day? Alan

[Liam]

Having used traction, I can answer that question.

Traction involves a noose just below the glans penis.  It must be adjusted every 1-2 hours to assure you haven't turned blue  .  No, seriously!

[allj]

Yikes! On top of that-can you imagine what happens if you get a spontaneous erection with a traction device on.javascript:void(0);Roll Eyes This isn't for me. Alan

[dahc]

Allan,

The manufacturer says to take it off every 2 hours for at least 5 minutes. So you can't wear it to bed. Until this week it really hadn't been that uncomfortable for me to wear under clothes, but when I added the 1/4 inch segment this week(you add one weekly) I had some discomfort.  I think I may have reached a plateau for a while. I've also been a little tender from my first Verapmil injections this week so that probably didn't help. Also, the longer you make the device the harder it is to disguise. I feel like I'm 12 years old again carrying a notebook in front of my crotch.

Anyway, I'm committed(or should be committed) to using traction and the other treatments Dr. Levine recommended for 6 months and hoping for the best.

[whygodwhy]

I used a jes extender for about a year with insignifigant results
I didn't wear it everyday but days i did were at least 6 hours (on av eight)
after all the days i took off i still totalled at least 6 months of use

I would have to give a big thumbs down on this treatment option

I did not see any change in curvature

you can wear it out in public but only for like an hour cause it starts to hurt so you gotta run to the bathroom constantly.  Even with the foam pad it hurts.  you can't sleep with it on.  it gave me a dark scar on the head of my penis (which went away with a cream called triluna)  wearing it was a big hassle cause you need to take it on and off and walk around with a penis traction device in your pocket ...not cool!  but then again neither is having peyronies

the only positive thing i can say about the jes extender is that my curvature did not get any worse...very disappointing considering the time and effort i put into using the traction device

[Hawk]

I did not see any change in curvature

In the VED thread you mention you only have a 5 degree curve which is essentially non-existent so that should be considered along with your experience.

[whygodwhy]

I did not see any change in curvature

In the VED thread you mention you only have a 5 degree curve which is essentially non-existent so that should be considered along with your experience.

I have between a 5 and 10 curvature to the left and about 20 degree slope downward.  it doesn't curve down, but it points in the direction of the floor.  i think this was the result of an injury/trauma many years ago.  i should also mention that i had an ultrasound which did find scarring, but it was uncalcified.  a traction device may be helpful to someone with a more severe case, but it wasn't for me

[dahc]

Dr. Levine's pilot group using an extender reported 10% - 40% change in curvature and a .5 to 2.0 cm increase in length. During my telephone consultation with Dr. Levine he indicated that the men that got the best results wore it the most hours during the day and didn't skip days.

I've been using the FS extender for about 2 months now and it's inconvenient and uncomfortable, so it's not for everyone. There are people on this forum that are having excellent results using VED. That takes some dedication as well. In fact if I don't get the results I desire by November I will get a pump myself and have a go.

[Liam]

I am going to try using traction again for a (relatively) short duration (1 - 2 hours) and a moderate intensity daily.  I am also going to try adding heat (at a safe level).

The wearing it all day was originally designed (by Lord knows who) for increasing the size of normal penises.

I am not convinced (having used it and seen improvement) it is necessary to wear it all day for Peyronies Disease.  I will report back.  

[ontmaster46]

hear is another      http://www.euroextender.com/
not sure why the link doesn't come out properly,you may need to cut and paste



Moved to this topic and subject added. - Liam

[Tim468]

How do you wear it all day and not have it completely obvious? I work with people all day - seems loos pants might not make it invisible.

Tim

[dahc]

When you first start at the beginner's legnth it's not too difficult to hide. I've been doing it over 2 months now and with the added links it is getting a little harder to hide. Wearing dark colored pleated pants helps.

I have noticed an increase in girth before, but I'm now comfortable in saying I've gained some erect length. I noticed after I had my 2nd Verapamil injection, I don't know if that had anything to do with it or not. I never measured when I started so I can't tell exactly how much I've gained, but I would guess at least 1/2 inch. I haven't noticed any change in the curve yet.

Formerly,

Chad

[jon]

I'm at work, so I can't check the link, but what's the cost of the traction device in the Levine study?

[Hawk]

... I'm now comfortable in saying I've gained some erect length. I noticed after I had my 2nd Verapamil injection,... I never measured when I started so I can't tell exactly how much I've gained, but I would guess at least 1/2 inch.
Formerly,

Chad

Chad / dahc,

No disrespect intended,  but I cannot even imagine going into a treatment without taking exacting objective measurements of length, girth, and curvature.  To not do so, makes follow-up reports so subjective to be of little value to the patient or others hoping for the necessary facts to evaluate treatments.


Hawk

[dahc]

Hawk,

You're right it's totally subjective, but I know what I see and I thought it was worth sharing. I wonder how many guys out there are measuring themselves? My urologist did take measurements of my length(no girth) and curvature at the time of the Doppler Ultrasound. I expect he will be doing the same after my 6th Verapamil shot, so then we'll have empirical evidence.

Dahc

[Liam]

I have been using a traction device twice a week for several weeks for 15 - 30 min while in a hot shower.  I have noticed subjective improvement in the lateral portion of my curve.

Here is an oldie but goodie that shows why I use heat.

1: Int J Hyperthermia. 2005 Jun;21(4):367-74. Links
Role of hyperthermia in the treatment of Peyronie's disease: a preliminary study.Perugia G, Liberti M, Vicini P, Colistro F, Gentile V.
Department of Urology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.

OBJECTIVE: Previous experience in the treatment of plaque with hyperthermia in orthopaedics led the authors to investigate the effectiveness of this approach in patients with Peyronie's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population comprised 60 patients (aged 36-76 years) with advanced Peyronie's disease. Patients were divided into two groups (A and B), with 30 in each. Group A patients underwent local hyperthermia treatment, with 30-min treatment sessions twice a week for 5 weeks. Patients received a total of 10 applications, which reached a local temperature of 39-40 degrees C. A second cycle was repeated after a 1-month interval for a total of 20 treatment sessions. Group B patients were treated with intra-plaque infiltrations using 10 mg verapamil; they received one infiltration once a week for 3 months. Differences between the two groups, as well as between variables (before and after treatment), were analysed using Student t-test and Fisher test. RESULTS: Hyperthermia significantly reduced plaque size and penile curvature and led to an increase in mean scores of erectile function (EF) domain, while verapamil had no such effects. Haemodynamic parameters were not significantly modified in either group. Hyperthermia caused significantly fewer side effects than verapamil infiltrations and was significantly more effective in preventing disease progression. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of pain reduction during erection. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study stress the efficacy of hyperthermia in the treatment of advanced Peyronie's disease.

PMID: 16019862 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[ninjagaiden]

Hi Liam, you keep us informed about the results, ok?  
About the subjective stuff, according to you, what's the improvement in matter of degrees or cuvature?

bye  

[Liam]

I hate putting numbers.  It was very noticeable before (45 degrees maybe) and is barely noticeable now (20 degrees).  Also, as I mentioned before the "turtle effect" been reversed.

I have been having more pain than usual.  

[ninjagaiden]

Ok, figures are uncool... unless they're written on a paycheck...

Thanks for the reply, by the way what is the "turtle effect"?  
Also the hourglass effect I've read somewhere, not sure exactly what it is.

I've have some "big veins" appearing around my toy about 6 months ago, I thought stuff like varicose vein. To me, varicose veins should appear after you're 120 years old, not so early!   Anyway, I didn't take these new adds-on as
a positive improvement  

What do you reckon the pain is due to (very subjective I know), the traction device? Does it occur when you have a hard-on, or in general?? When did it appear?

Sorry for the eager questions...

I'll be in touch in the next days, want to know all about the veterans advice (VED, traction, drugs (legal ones, of course  ) all kind of therapies, treatments, chinese meditation...). The last one if just for kidding.

As I said, I try to take this lightly at the moment and keep the gloomy thoughts for gloomy-weather days (which represent at least 330 days a year in the place I live, we're in August and it's raining  and raining! )


Sorry for your pain, but happy for your improvement.

[Liam]

Thanks for the reply, by the way what is the "turtle effect"?  

Imagine the turtle's head going back into his shell    Not a good thing.

I'm not sure about the pain.  I am only stretching a little.  Maybe No pain; No gain.  I'm not sure.  Wait and see (hey I could become a Urologist )

Speaking for all the "vets" here, "Ask Away"

[ninjagaiden]

What? That's this kind of imagery? Wow, it makes my stomach go wild...
You mean, like deflating? Or retracting? (like the turtle head in the shell).
Any of the replies, that must be a scary moment...  

Phew, I need to get braver than that, seems I'm just discoverig the funny sides of this disease...

Thanks 4 ur support !(I changed my mind, I will use text message writing style to annoy the older members and get banned  )

[newguy]

I hate putting numbers.  It was very noticeable before (45 degrees maybe) and is barely noticeable now (20 degrees).  Also, as I mentioned before the "turtle effect" been reversed.

I have been having more pain than usual.  

Do you attribute this 45 - 20 degrees change to the traction and heat alone, or to your regime as a whole? Again I appreciate that this is all very subjective, but I'd still like your opinion. Also, has anyone here thought of hanging using golf weights? I've read on another forum that they can effectively be used for 8 hours plus and as they would stretch the penis (especially the shorter side) maybe it would help to remould the plaque. Just a thought. I can provide more info if people are interested.

[Liam]

Due to the time frame, I credit the combination of traction and heat.  No change in plaque or dorsal curve (that I've noticed).  I have been off supplements for a while due to other meds combining to cause some digestive issues (how's that for nondescript).

I am a little fearful of an "uncontrolled stretch".  The stretch I use is minimal. I estimate the heat to be approx.100 degrees F.  For the short amount of time I do it, I would imagine a manual stretch might suffice if a fairly constant stretch is maintained.  I don't think I'd use weights.  I've read about it, too.  I don't want to strangle my old friend for 8 hours   and this seems to be working.

This ain't exactly scientific....but what the heck.  Just be careful.  Also, for those interested, I have a $50 eBay superstretcher.  Not fancy, looks homemade, but works for this.

[ninjagaiden]

Hello newguy,

I think like Liam, forget about the heavy stretching, I guess especially if it's fibrotic tissue that you have down there.
Stretching it quickly with weigths and exagerated force will probably create more scar tissue...
I'm no scientist, that's just my belief, it may sound stupid, but if it's like regular stretching (like stretching your muscles), when you do stuff like bounce and pull hard and fast, you tear the muscle fibers and create scar tissue that is very resistant to strectching afterwards... I know it works for some guys, but generally it gives injuries and worse results than expected... Personnaly I do lots of stretching and don't try to apply too much force...

So do as you will, I would consider the gentle way advised by Liam... Be gentle with you body, or it'll make you pay back for the hurt...

PS: I know the dick is not a muscle... (oh, really?) but the fibrotic tissue seems to be a resisting stuff just like muscle  when you stretch it beyong its limits...  That's why I made the comparison...

[newguy]

Hello newguy,

I think like Liam, forget about the heavy stretching, I guess especially if it's fibrotic tissue that you have down there.
Stretching it quickly with weigths and exagerated force will probably create more scar tissue...
I'm no scientist, that's just my belief, it may sound stupid, but if it's like regular stretching (like stretching your muscles), when you do stuff like bounce and pull hard and fast, you tear the muscle fibers and create scar tissue that is very resistant to strectching afterwards... I know it works for some guys, but generally it gives injuries and worse results than expected... Personnaly I do lots of stretching and don't try to apply too much force...

So do as you will, I would consider the gentle way advised by Liam... Be gentle with you body, or it'll make you pay back for the hurt...

PS: I know the dick is not a muscle... (oh, really?) but the fibrotic tissue seems to be a resisting stuff just like muscle  when you stretch it beyong its limits...  That's why I made the comparison...

Using golf weights my intention would be to add perhaps even less stress than a typical traction device like fastsize and doesn't sound quite as drastic when you see how they are worn. It would be a constant weight of a few pounds and would not consist of pulling hard and fast i this case. It would be just a way of testing the water in a sense, as it definitely seems like traction can be beneficial to peyronies sufferers, so I'm hoping to take a slightly different approach and see what success it brings. I am intrigued by Liams progress though and how heat may play an important role.  

[Tim468]

Liam,

I don't get a "hit" using google and "superstretcher". Is there a brand name for what you are trying out?

Tim

[j]

Although you seldom hear about it, traction apparently works with Dupuytren's contractures.  But we are talking serious, 24/7 traction, using hardware that isn't concealable. Check out this link, which shows a traction device that works with screws literally anchored in the bone.  

http://www.handbiolab.com/digitwidget.html

[Liam]

J,

I'm saving that link.  Good tie in to this topic.  Looks promising.

Tim,  

MAXPULLR = superstretcher  (not an endorsement, seems to be adequate for my purpose,though)  on eBay

If you've seen one cheesy name, you've seen 'em all.

[newguy]

Although you seldom hear about it, traction apparently works with Dupuytren's contractures.  But we are talking serious, 24/7 traction, using hardware that isn't concealable. Check out this link, which shows a traction device that works with screws literally anchored in the bone.  

http://www.handbiolab.com/digitwidget.html

i didn't know about this, thanks for the link. I think what we can take from this is that there isn't one 'surefire' way of dealing with peyronies or relate issues. There are a few methods which may or may not bring results. I'd be hard pushed to say that use of pentox and the VED are a bad idea, but traction also is gained some headway. That's why I'm eager to explore a slightly different route and get back to people on whatever result it brings. Anything that informs the community as a whole can't be bad.

[Liam]

Newguy,

I've stuck my neck out (actually my penis ) for several, shall we say, novel treatments.   I understand where you are coming from.  Proceed with caution my friend!  Check often!!!  Then let us know .

[howcanthisbe]

wow im glad to see a traction section has been added to the forum! I've always considered traction a treatment option, and see some are having results with it. I have been away to college without internet access. Im trying to save up and get a VED, but right now my Peyronies Disease seems fairly stable except I notice it trys to curve slightly to the left know when a erection is in progress. Im going to be trying the ved and traction possibly soon, its just a matter or time and money for me. Keep up the good work guys!  

[Hawk]

If your only sign of curve is a slight curve, and not even that when erect, why deal with the time, cost, and risk associated with VED or traction use

[Liam]

My penis tries to go straight    

[ninjagaiden]

Hi guys,

I'm not sure I'm posting in the right place, but I was wondering about the "completion date" of the trial made by Dr Levine (with the traction device, "fast size" isn't it?

Just asking because I've heard about it about a year ago probably (or a little less) and it still seems to be in the process...

Do you know when the results will be issued? I'm very curious about it.
By the way, it's about the traction device and not the VED, right?
If yes, is there a trial under way with a VED as well??

Thanks for your replies!  

[Liam]

Here is a link to FastSize.  They have posted one of the docs from their board appearing on The View.   :::shaking head:::

http://www.fastsize.com/press_release/dr_lamm_guest_appearance.php

[dahc]

Google Association of Peyronie's Disease Advocates, on their website is a section called Ask the Doctor, go to Current Q & A and read through. Dr. Levine discusses the Fast Size trial there.  

[Hawk]

In essence preliminary reports of a very small study (with no study methods reported) indicate:

10 - 30 degrees improvement with 1/4 to 3/4 length gain.  Also some improvement in hourglass and hinge effect.

We do not know how small the study, whether objective measurements or subjective patient reports were used, but I would call it encouraging.

[Liam]

The reason my lateral curve seemed less was due to regained length (which isn't all bad) not to actual straightening.  I am sticking with my regimen, though.

I had to say "regimen" because "protocol" was already taken by the VED.  

[Hawk]

The reason my lateral curve seemed less was due to regained length (which isn't all bad) not to actual straightening.  

Liam, I am very confused by your statement.  I would rather have you elaborate than for me to expound on the points of confusion.

[Liam]

Well...... it's a little embarrassing.

When I am experiencing shrinkage (turtle effect), the lateral curve is more pronounced.  After stretching for a few weeks I regain length.  Although the curve is probably the same, the perceived curve is less.

Rookie mistake on my part.

I am greatful for regaining some length.  I can "wear" my penis in its appropriate, traditional position in my pants.
 

[Hawk]

It would seem if you gained length the curve was helped unless the normal side as well as the short plaque side stretched.  If this is the case then you are an advertisement for penis enlargement.

[bodoo2u]

Fellas, say it isn't so. I was in a position a few months ago to wear a traction device for 8 hours a day or more if I wanted. Instead, I bought a VED. Now I'm hearing that traction is definitely showing results and is the way to go. Daaag!!!!

Liam, how many hours of the day and for how many days did you have to wear it to see the results? Can I assume that the more you have lost, the more you can expect to regain? Also, It would seem that more length going in the wrong direction would seem detrimental, but then again maybe not.  

[Liam]

Here is my original post.

I have been using a traction device twice a week for several weeks for 15 - 30 min while in a hot shower.  I have noticed subjective improvement in the lateral portion of my curve.

I could never wear that contraption 8 hours.  I am hoping the heat (about 105 degrees F shower massage aimed at base of penis) and traction work together.  To be honest, I am a little fearful of wearing it so long.  Plus, I'm not sure the potential gain is worth walking bow legged all day.

Bo said:  

Can I assume that the more you have lost, the more you can expect to regain?

I don't know, but it sounds reasonable.  

This is not making me into John Holmes.  I don't notice any change in erect length (Peyronies Disease makes that a tough call without measuring).  I am, at least, close to my original flaccid size pre prostate surgery and Peyronies Disease.  

I use the VED, too.  I don't have the three multi size tubes.  The smaller tubes probably provide the same longitudinal stretch.

I have a Max Pullr from ebay $50.  Looks homemade.  It serves the purpose for which it is being used, however.  

[Hawk]

This is not making me into John Holmes.  

Well Liam, that in itself is encouraging.  Isn't he dead


I think it would actually be a status symbol for me if I was the administrator of a forum for men who's penises were too large.

[John28]

Hi, I'm a new member. I've been glancing through some of the discussion in recent weeks, but haven't yet contributed.

I've been told by Dr Brant (based in Colorado) that a multi-center study into traction as a Peyronie's treatment has started. It was prompted by the encouraging results from Chicago in the pilot FastSize study. Apparently San Francisco is one of the centers participating. I believe they're using the same device, but don't know for certain.

I also spoke to Dr Levine over the phone recently. I think that the original pilot study only included 10 people, but encouragingly all of them had some measurable improvement in their erect deformity. More importantly, all of them have retained the improvement several months after they stopped using the device.

Dr Levine said he's been consistently impressed with the results; over 50 of his patients have used the device so far. He did note though that the pilot was only a small study.

A few trials using a similar device have been conducted in Europe (for treatment of Peyronie's disease and other penile problems), and the few I've come across have met with success. There are also reports of significant gains in length and girth in healthy men with penile dysmorphic disorder.

One other thing Dr Levine emphasised is that the device has to be taken off for several minutes every two hours. He also recommended using it for only a couple of hours a day in total to begin with, and then building up the duration of time it's worn. If, after several weeks, the tissue starts to feel too tired from stretching, he suggests giving it a break for a while.

If the device is used correctly and not recklessly, it sounds as if it might well be beneficial. One thing I'd like to know is what effect it has on established scar vs. inflammatory tissue.

Apologies if this is all old news.

[j]

Definitely not 'old news' to me.  I knew Levine had talked about this but didn't know it had gone anywhere. The most encouraging part about it is seeing some MDs willing to try something new.  

There are 3 things I'd like to see happen as a result.

One: urologists heari about this and stop pushing patients out the door with vitamin E and potaba.

Two:  money invested in developing better traction technology.  Some us look at these existing gadgets, imagine wearing one all day long and think - just shoot me now.  There has to be a better way.

Three: some serious study of VED therapy as an alternative to traction.  

[Liam]

John,

GREAT POST and WELCOME!!!

J,

Two:  money invested in developing better traction technology.  Some us look at these existing gadgets, imagine wearing one all day long and think - just shoot me now.  There has to be a better way.

I have used the exact same words to my wife, "Just shoot me now!"