Contact UsPeyronie's disease is a condition that is not well understood. The exact cause of the condition and how to best treat it is often debated. Unfortunately, what is accepted as common knowledge about Peyronie's disease is often incorrect or not up to date. This often leads to limited treatment options being offered to patients or poor outcomes for the options tried, frustrating the physician and patient. Research over the last 10 years has helped to better understand the natural history, pathophysiology, and demographics of the disease. Learning the facts about Peyronie’s disease from the latest research is an essential step in better treatment outcomes.
There are a number of myths about Peyronie’s disease that have been disproved in recent years, highlighted by a better understanding of the incidence of the condition and by the limited number of cases that spontaneously resolve. Equally important to the understanding of the physical aspects of the condition, is an understanding of the emotional impact the condition has on patients.
Myth - Peyronie’s disease is very rare.
Fact - In a recent study of 534 men, 8.9% had palpable penile plaque*.
Myth - Peyronie’s disease spontaneously resolves in 30-50% of cases.
Fact - The largest published natural history study found only 12% had improvement (not cure) in curvature and 48% worsened*.
Myth - Peyronie’s disease only affects men over 50 years of age.
Fact - Up to 10% of patients may present at age 40 and below*.
Myth - Psychological impact of the condition is less significant than physical symptoms.
Fact - 97 men evaluated by questionnaire found 77% experienced a negative psychological impact from the disease with 28% improving over time, 36% being unchanged, and 36% worsening*.
There has been a common misunderstanding that there was little to no association between erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease, which has led to many patients being overlooked. A survey of urologist and primary care physicians found that 37% and 48% respectively did not believe that Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction were frequently associated*. The facts indicate that they are frequently associated and as the result of more recent research, the correlation between Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction is much clearer then previously recognized. A study of 448 men undergoing standard evaluation for erectile dysfunction, found a 16% prevalence of Peyronie’s disease indicating a significant link between the two conditions*. Studies have also found the rate of erectile dysfunction is significantly higher in patients with Peyronie’s disease. Published reports indicate that 30% to 80% of men may have erectile dysfunction associated with Peyronie’s disease*. Including Peyronie’s disease screening as part of routine erectile dysfunction evaluation will allow for more patients to be identified and treated.