The Impact of Peyronie's Disease on the Patient: Gaps in Our Current Understanding

Abstract

Peyronie's disease 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. In this article, the authors examine the knowledge gaps and research needs regarding the effect of Peyronie's disease on the patient's physical and psychological quality of life and on interpersonal relationships. On PubMed, the authors used the search terms Peyronie's disease, psychological, psychotherapy, male sexual dysfunction, partner, comorbid disease, satisfaction, and pain. Four categories describing the effect of Peyronie's disease were identified: (a) sexual dysfunction due to pain and altered penile shape, (b) psychological effects, (c) partner and relationship effects, and (d) effects of treatment options for Peyronie's disease. 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 Peyronie's disease. For many patients, the effect of Peyronie's disease is 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.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank Tara Gupta, PhD, and Lynanne McGuire, PhD, of MedVal Scientific Information Services, LLC, for providing medical writing and editorial assistance. This article was prepared according to the International Society for Medical Publication Professionals’ “Good Publication Practice for Communicating Company-Sponsored Medical Research: The GPP2 Guidelines.”

Irwin Goldstein is a clinical investigator, speaker, and consultant for Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Rose Hartzell has nothing to disclose. Ridwan Shabsigh is a consultant, advisor, and clinical investigator for Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.