Peyronie's disease (PD) results in a fibrous inelastic scar or hard plaque of the tunica albuginea of the penis that causes penile curvature deformity during erection that can be painful, distressing, and an impediment to sexual intercourse.
The current review examines the knowledge gaps and research needs regarding the impact of PD on the patient's physical and psychological quality of life and on interpersonal relationships. PubMed searches used the terms "Peyronie's disease," "psychological," "psychotherapy," "male sexual dysfunction," "partner," "comorbid disease," "satisfaction," and "pain". Four categories describing the impact of PD were identified: 1) sexual dysfunction due to pain and altered penile shape; 2) psychological effects; 3) partner and relationship effects; and 4) effects of treatment options for PD. Results indicate that the examination of interventions aimed at education, coping, relationship distress, and sex therapy that may significantly improve patient quality of life is a core unmet need in PD. For many patients, the impact of PD is both functional and psychological. Both aspects should be evaluated and treated in patients, which may require a referral. The physical pain, emotional distress and isolation, and partner and relationship discord that may be present require more attention.
Written by:
Goldstein I, Hartzell R, Shabsigh R. Are you the author?
San Diego Sexual Medicine, Alvarado Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA.
Reference: J Sex Marital Ther. 2014 Nov 18:0.
doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2014.985351
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25405853