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Glossary
All | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
 A
Acute
Of abrupt onset, in reference to a disease. Acute often also suggests a phase that is of short duration, rapidly progressive, and in need of urgent care.
"Acute" is a measure of the time scale of a disease and is in contrast to "chronic." which indicates indefinite duration with little change.
AGE
Abbreviation for: Advanced Glycation End products.
AGE products are the result of sugar being heated outside of the body or being metabolized inside of the body. AGE has been identified as a factor in many disorders.
ALC
Acetyl L-Carnitine an over-the-counter nutritional supplement.
Angion
A made-up treatment to increase circulation and penis size based on nothing.  It has no evidence or even logical reasoning to back it up.  In addition, it is potentially dangerous.  It consists of rapidly trying to milk blood from your penile veins to pull in arterial blood.
Auto-immune
Abnormal response of the immune system that causes antibodies and other defenses of the body that normally attack invaders to attack the body's own tissue.
Axial Rigidity
The stiffness of an item along a certain axis. With implants, the resistance to bending or buckling along the length of the shaft of the penis.  This is not necessarily the same as stiffness felt when squeezing the shaft.
 B
Beta-Blockers
Prescription drugs that block the stimulating effect of adrenaline thereby relieving stress on the heart. Many beta blocker drugs list Peyronie's disease as a possible side effect.
BiMix
Usually a mixture of papaverine and phentolamine self-injected into the penis as a treatment for ED. Unlike Viagra the erection results directly from the injection and usually requires no physical or psychological stimulation.
Blind
Blind or blinded refers to a condition where the patient in a clinical study does not know whether they are being given the treatment being studied or the control (another treatment or placebo). Double blinded means neither the patients or the medical team know.  This helps assure objective results.
BPEL
Abbreviation for Bone Pressed Erect Length.  A standardized method of measuring an erect penis along the top side with a ruler pressed into the fat pad to the pubic bone. - You press to the pubic bone for a consistent reference point that does not vary with changes in body weight or composition.
BPH
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
A common condition as men get older resulting in enlargement of the prostate gland.
Prostate gland enlargement can cause bothersome urinary symptoms. Untreated prostate gland enlargement can block the flow of urine out of the bladder and can cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.
BPSFL
Bone Pressed Streched Flaccid Length
A standardized method to measure penis length used to chart progress. Ruler pressed against pubic bone and flaccid penis is stretched straight out from the body at a 90 degree angle.
Some doctors refer to a less accurate term, Stretched Flaccid Length (SFL) - You press to the pubic bone for a consistent reference point that does not vary with changes in body weight.
 C
CBT
Abbreviation for Cognitive Behavior Therapy - It is present-oriented psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective.  It requires a limited number of sessions. CBT is based on the way that individuals perceive a situation is more closely connected to their reaction than the situation itself.  Clients learn skills to change thinking and behavior to achieve lasting improvement in mood and functioning and sense of well-being.
CC
Abbreviation for Corpus Cavernosum, one of a pair of sponge-like columns of erectile tissue which contain most of the blood in the penis during penile erection. The two corpora cavernosa lie along the penis shaft, from the pubic bones to the head of the penis, where they join.
Chronic
in reference to a disease. Chronic often suggests a phase that can be of infinite duration, and relatively stable. It often occurs later in the disease process. It is in contrast to acute which is of rapid onset and development.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is present-oriented psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective.  It requires a limited number of sessions. CBT is based on the way that individuals perceive a situation is more closely connected to their reaction than the situation itself.  Clients learn skills to change thinking and behavior to achieve lasting improvement in mood and functioning and sense of well-being.
Colchicine
Prescription medication used for suppressing the inflammation in acute gout (arthritis). It was also sometimes used in the treatment of the inflammatory phase Peyronie's disease although there is little objective data that supports its effectiveness considering potentially significant side-effects.
Collagen
the main protein of connective tissue and the most abundant protein in our bodies.  There are well over a dozen types of collagen and these types are the main component of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone, teeth, blood vessels, and skin. Collagen actually acts as a mesh scaffolding for our bodies and controls cell shape, determining the type of structure that is rebuilt.
Collagenase
A type of protein that breaks down collagen.
Congenital
A condition that is present at birth, whether or not it is inherited. It may or may not be noticed at birth.
Corpus Cavernosum


Synonyms
Cavernosum
One of a pair of sponge-like columns of erectile tissue which contain most of the blood in the penis during penile erection. The two corpora cavernosa lie along the penis shaft, from the pubic bones to the head of the penis, where they join.
Corpus Spongiosum


Synonyms
spongiosum
A third much smaller column of spongy tissue that receives a small amount of blood during erection.  It surrounds the urethra and runs the length of the underside of the penis ending with its end cap, the glans or head of the penis. The corpus spongiosum functions to prevent the urethra from collapsing during erection and causes the head to swell, but contributes little to the erection itself.
CPPS
chronic pelvic pain syndrome - Sometime called cp/cpps for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
crus
The posterior portion of the corpus cavernosum of the penis that is in the body behind the scrotum.
 D
DM
"diabetes mellitus" need more explanation ???
DMSO
Dimethyl Sulfoxide is a Colorless liquid used to dissolve or extract organic compounds.

Because DMSO increases the rate of absorption of some compounds through organic tissues, including skin, it can be used as a drug delivery system.
It is frequently compounded with antifungal medications, enabling them to penetrate, skin, toe nails etc..
Dorsal
Refers to the top surface.  A dorsal curve is an upward curve.
Dupuytren’s Contracture


Synonyms
DC
A fibrotic condition involving an abnormal build-up of collagen in the hand, causing the fingers to permanently bend toward the palm.  It is usually first noticed in the little and ring fingers.
DX
A common abbreviation for "Diagnosis"
 E
ED
An abreviation for Erectile Dysfunction
A condition where the penis either cannot gain or maintain an erection sufficient for normal intercourse.
ED has many possible causes.  It is a somewhat common symptom and even possibly a cause of Peyronies Disease.
Embolization


Synonyms
ligation
A vascular surgical procedure to block blood vessels.  In the case of this forum, it is usually an attempt to prevent venous leak.  It is a very risky surgery with very uncertain outcomes.  It is uncommon to find it still performed in the U.S.
EQ
An abbreviation for Erection Quality
Erectile Dysfunction
A condition where the penis either cannot gain or maintain an erection sufficient for normal intercourse. ED has many possible causes.
It is a somewhat common symptom and even possibly a cause of Peyronies Disease.
ESWT
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
A treatment where ultrasound shock waves bombard an area of tendonitis, frozen shoulder, painful heel, and in some instances Peyronies Disease. There are some studies that show pain reduction. Changes in curve have not been reported.
This is not FDA approved in the U.S. ESWT has never grown to the status of a mainstream treatment for Peyronies Disease.
 F
Fibrosis
The formation of collagen-based scar tissue that can be spurred by injury or other factors.  Like all scar tissue, fibrosis is non-elastic and can cause deformity and size loss.
Flaccid
Not stiff or rigid. Limp
 G
Girth


Synonyms
Circumference
The distance around something.
 H
Hematoma


Synonyms
bruise
localized collection of blood in soft tissue resulting from damaged blood vessels. The lay term is "bruise"
HGH
Human Growth hormone is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction and regeneration in humans and other animals. HGH would seem to battle peyronies (nerve regeneration, NO increase, lower BP, more flexible, improves libido, ect) EXCEPT that HGH increases Collagen Synthesis.
HOT
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used for the treatment of conditions including serious infections and wounds that won't heal as a result of diabetes or radiation injury. The treatment elevates the amount of oxygen in the blood over breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. Your blood carries this oxygen throughout your body, stimulating the release of growth factors and stem cells, which promote healing.
Hourglass
When plaque encircles the penis causing a narrowing.  This narrowed area can become less stable and cause bending or buckling at this point.
 I
Inflammation
The process by which soft tissue responds to injury with swelling, redness, warmth, and often pain. Inflammatory processes can often be the cause of a host of age related diseases rather than just the response to an injury.  Many factors can cause or reduce the inflammatory processes.
Iontophoresis
A technique that relies on active transportation using a small electric charge to deliver a medicine through the skin trans-dermally.
IPP
Abbreviation for Inflatable Penile Prosthesis.  This is usually an implant with cylinders in the penis, a pump in the scrotum, and a reservoir in the pelvic cavity.  

It is also sometimes used for Induratio Penis Plastica - The European (Latin) name for Peyronies Disease.
 L
L-Arginine
An amino acid found naturally in meats/dairy, but is also taken as a supplement; It is a vasodilator used by athletes, weight lifters, cardiology patients, and those suffering from ED; It increases blood flow to tissue, by increasing nitric oxides which in turn dilates blood vessels. L-Arginine is 1 of the ingredients of The PAV cocktail recommended by many urologists. Warning, taken with Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors it could cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure due to relaxing the blood vessels.
LGX
Model LGX700 three piece penile implant by AMS.  The only implant that increases in length (By 10%) when inflated therefore gives a softer more natural flaccid state.  Sometimes not recommended for above average size penis or to straighten significant penile deformity.
 M
MUSE
Medicated Urethral System for Erections (MUSE) is a small suppository placed into the urethra to cause an erection.
 N
Nesbit Plication - tuck
Named for the doctor to first use the procedure in 1965. This procedure shortens the side of the penis that doesn't have scar tissue.1) The outer skin of the penis is pulled back. 2)The penis is straightened, and the excess tissue on what had been the long side of the curve is cinched together with sutures. (3) The penis is somewhat shorter after this procedure.
Nitric Oxide


Synonyms
NO
N.O.
Nitric Oxide is involved in the dilation (widening of the blood vessels.  It is a key factor in producing erections when it widens the arteries in the penis.
NoFAP
Usually refers to Abstaining from masturbation (FAP) and pornography.  It has quite a movement with many forums and YouTube videos on the internet.  Also associated with "No PMO" meaning np Pornography, Orgasm, Masturbation.
NTE
Abbreviation for night time erections.  These erections are now believed to use different nerve pathways than psychologically or physically stimulated erections; NTE's can occur in individuals that have physically based erectile dysfunction. NTE's are considered essential for oxygenation of the penis and for good penile health.
 P
PAC
An abbreviation for Pentox, L-Arginine, Cialis.  This cocktail trio of substances has recently been used as an oral treatment for Peyronies Disease with some promising results. It is a variation on the cocktail prescribed by Dr Levine.
PAV
An abbreviation for Pentox, L-Arginine, Viagra.  This cocktail trio of substances has recently been used as an oral treatment for Peyronies Disease with some promising results. It was first prescribed by Dr Levine.
PDE5 Inhibitors
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors refers to a group of drugs are used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and were the first effective oral treatment available for the condition. PDE5 inhibitors help to sustain an erection by inhibiting the the process that causes an erection to diminish. This is why physical stimulation is still required to cause the erection. Common PDE5 inhibitors include Viagra, Livitra, and Cialis.
PE
Abbreviation for Premature Ejaculation - The inability to delay ejaculation long enough to satisfy both parties.
PEG
Abbreviation for Penile Excision and Grafting:  Surgery the excises, (cuts out) plaque and grafts in material.   The graft is often a scaffold of tissue that will support growth.  Several sources are used for the grafted tissue.
Penile fracture
A tear in the tunica albuginea resulting from abrupt bending trauma to the erect penis. Penile fracture requires immediate emergency medical attention.
Penile Graft
a technique to fix a curved penis by adding tissue to the shorter side where the plaque is most prominent. After careful dissection neurovascular bundles, the scar is incised/excised, and a graft tissue is used to fill the void to lengthen the short side. Many graft materials can be used. This is a complex surgery requiring a very skilled surgeon.
Penile Implant
There are several types, but the modern implant is likely to be a 3 piece inflatable implant. 1)the cavernosia tissue is pushed aside to implant the inflatable cylinders. 2)a miniature pump is hidden in the scrotum between the testicles, 3) a fluid reservoir inserted in the pelvic region near the bladder. Most implants decrease only in girth from inflated to deflated.  The AMS LGX decreases in length and girth when deflated.
Penis anatomy
For illustrations on penis anatomy and illustrations of PD follow this link then click on illustrations to enlarge them. www.peyroniesforum.net/index.php/topic,106.0.html
Pentox


Synonyms
Trental
Is short for the prescription drug Pentoxifylline.
The original drug is sold under the trademark name of Trental. Today there are many other gerneric products.
Petechiae
Petechiae are tiny, red, flat spots that appear on your skin. They're caused by bleeding. They usually appear in clusters and may look like a rash. Can be caused by a VED drawing blood at too high of a vacuum. Other examples hicky/passion mark from sucking on the skin.
Peyronies Disease


Synonyms
Peyronies
PD
In some European countries (except France) it is called Induratio Penis Plastica or IPP. It is a change in normal structures of the penis, transforming functional portions of penile tissue into scar tissue. This is a wound healing process gone awry somewhat like keloids. Once started, the process spreads across undamaged tissue, turning it to scar tissue.
PI
Abbreviation for Penile Implant - The modern implant is likely to be a 3 piece inflatable implant. 1)the cavernosia pushed aside to implant the inflatable cylinders. 2)a miniature pump is hidden in the scrotum between the testicles, 3) a fluid reservoir inserted in the pelvic region near the bladder.
PIV
Abbreviation for Penis In Vagina
Placebo
Any dummy medication (sugar pill) or treatment. A placebo is often used in a control group to compare to the treatment actually being tested.
Plantar Fasciitis
A painful inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue on the sole (bottom surface) of the foot. PF be caused by strain or by abnormal build up of collagen in the foot.
Plaque
In Peyronies, plaque is another word for scar tissue that is NON-elastic thus prevents normal expansion of the penis during erection. It is the essence of Peyronies and can overspread healthy uninjured tissue. It should not be confused with arterial plaque which is unrelated.
PMO


Synonyms
NoPMO
No PMO
NoFAP
Abbreviation for Pornography, Orgasm, Masturbation.  Usually used a No PMO or NoPMO and advocating for the benefits from abstinence.  Also closely associated with NoFAP for abstinence from masturbation.  Both have established movements with forums and YouTube video on the internet promoting the benefits of No PMO and NoFAP.
Potaba
A prescription antifibrotic medication that has been used to treat skin disorders and PD.  Stomach upset is a common side-effect.  Clinical evidence is lacking in Potaba's benefit in PD treatment.
Priapism
Priapism is a prolonged erection that starves the penis of oxygen.  A continuous erection of over 4-hours can be painful and permanently damaging to the penis if you do not seek immediate medical attention.
Prosthesis
An artificial replacement of a part of the body; See Penile Implant
PRP
Platelet-rich plasma is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. As a concen- trated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains and releases several different growth factors that stimulate healing.
PTT
Penile Traction Therapy. PTT has traditionally been implemented to increase penile length but has recently been investigated for reducing the curvature associated with Peyronie's disease. There are several manufacturers of penile extension devices. These devices are designed to apply a pull or tension on the penis. Penile extenders usually require the penis being in traction for several hours a day for several months for any significant  improvement.
 R
Randomized
In clinical studies, randomized refers to assigning patients to the study group or the control group in a totally random fashion. This prevents such things as assigning the patients most likely to respond to treatment to one group thus affecting the outcome and resulting in false conclusions.
raphe
Seam or line in the body or organ that divides two halves.  On this forum most often the seam or dividing line dividing the scrotum in half.
Rear tip extender


Synonyms
Rear tip extenders
Rear Tip Extender - solid (not inflatable) add-ons attached to the rear of penile implant cylinders to fill the cavernous when the length needed falls between the available size of cylinder lengths.  The goal should be to reduce or eliminate them when possible.
Risk factor
Something that increases your chances of getting a disease. Sometimes this risk comes from something you do. For example, penile fracture increases the chance of Peyronies. Other risk factors are beyond your control and there's nothing you can do about the risk. The risk just exists, such as age or heredity.
RTE
Abbreviation for Rear Tip Extenders - solid (not inflatable) add-ons attached to the rear of penile implant cylinders to fill the cavernous when the length needed falls between the available size of cylinder lengths.  The goal should be to reduce or eliminate them when possible.
 S
Scrotum
The loose visible sack surrounding the the testicles. The scrotum is part of the external male genitalia.
 T
TA
Abbreviation for Tunica Albuginea, the fibrous envelope over the corpora cavernosa. It is white and consists of approximately 5% elastin and 95% collagen. The tunica albuginea is directly involved in maintaining an erection; due to Buck's fascia constricting the deep dorsal vein of the penis, preventing blood from leaving and thus sustaining the erection.
TEP


Synonyms
Tunica Expansion Procedure
Abbreviation for Tunica Expansion Procedure; A non-grafting procedure that improves penile lengthening using small, staggered cuts on the tunica, facilitating tissue regeneration.   Developed by Dr. Paulo Egydio
TGFB1
Transforming Growth Factor, Beta 1 -This gene encodes a member of the TGFB family of cytokines, that regulate proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, and other functions in many cell types. Many cells have TGFB receptors.  This protein positively and negatively regulates many growth factors.
Traction
Stretching the flaccid penis with one of several types of specially designed devices.  The tissue fibers that deform the penis are the first fibers to bear the tension during traction.  Limited studies have shown traction to help restore both length and girth, and to improve curve and hourglass deformity.
Trazodone
Generic name for Desyrel; Trazodone ia a VERY cheap prescription drug developed for depression at a dose of 150-400 mg daily. - It is used off label  at a dosage of  just 25 mg. for a sleep aid; At these very low dosages it enhances night time erections for most men and is therefore sometime used to enhance healthy blood flow. Should be taken with some food.
Trigger
Something that either sets off a disease in people who are genetically predisposed to developing the disease, or that causes a certain symptom to occur in a person who has a disease. Example, sunlight can trigger rashes in people with lupus.
TriMix
Usually a mixture of papaverine, phentolamine, and prostaglandin self-injected into the penis as a treatment for ED. Unlike Viagra the erection results directly from the injection and usually requires no physical or psychological stimulation.
TRT
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is the use of hormone replacement for men incapable of producing sufficient amounts of this hormone themselves. The medicine used to treat this ailment is testosterone and similar androgenic compounds. Levels are monitored by the reference laboratory used by their physician to maintain patients in the mid-range. Injectable formulations are available as are topical gel forms.
Tunica Albuginea
The Tunica Albuginea is the fibrous envelope over the corpora cavernosa. It is white and consists of approximately 5% elastin and 95% collagen.
The tunica albuginea is directly involved in maintaining an erection, due to Buck's fascia constricting the deep dorsal vein of the penis, preventing blood from leaving and thus sustaining the erection.
Turtle Effect
A term sometimes used on the PDS forum to describe significant shortening/contraction of the flaccid penis.  It relates to a turtle drawing its head back into its shell.
 U
URO
Urologist. One who is trained in the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females. Urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with with bladder or other urological disorders. Some urologists specialize in the treatment of Peyronie's Disease.
 V
Vasodilation
Blood vessels expanding and resulting in their engorgement with blood.
VED
Vacuum Erection Device
A cylinder device that slides over the penis. It has a mechanism for drawing the air out of the cylinder and forming a vacuum around the penis to draw blood into the penis causing an erection.  It has been used both prior to intercourse to compensate for ED and as a treatment for Peyronies Disease although the techniques are are different.
Ventral
Underside. A ventral curve is a downward curve.
Verapamil
Verapamil is a prescription calcium channel blocker and vasodilator taken orally for certain cardiac conditions.
Verapamil injections (VI) are injected directly into the plaque of PD.  Recent clinical observations indicate the incidence of improvement is only slightly better than the incidence of worsening or no improvement.
VI
Verapimil Injection is a treatment approach that has demonstrated mixed results in a number of published studies.
This treatment involves the injection of Verapamil directly into Peyronie's plaques (scar tissue nodules or bands).
Verapamil is a type of calcium channel blocker and is used for collagen degradation to reduce the plaque and scarring associated with Peyronie's Disease.
 W
Wasting


Synonyms
Waisting
Wasting means gradually deteriorating; declining, or diminishing.
Sometimes incorrectly spelled waisting and
Sometimes incorrectly used to mean an hourglass deformity
 X
Xiaflex
The brand name For the injectable drug collagenase that breaks down collagen. In the United States, Auxilium  markets the drug. In Europe it is marketed by Pfizer.