Study highlights devastating impact of curved penis in more than one in ten Australian men

A new study presented at the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand’s Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne this week highlights the emotional and physical impact of a condition affecting up to more than one in ten Australian men that gets little public attention but can cause acute embarrassment, pain and distress.

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease which presents as a curved penis and affects up to 13% of the male population. The study surveyed 1103 men affected between the age 35 and 75 years showed more than half (57%) were 16 years or older when the condition developed.

One in six (18%) experience pain or discomfort when they have an erection; 26% are bothered by the appearance of their erect penis and one in five are bothered when they have sexual intercourse and report difficulty in having intercourse.

The vast majority (91%) of those surveyed reported having sexual intercourse less often as a result of the
curve in their penis.

“Previously, most studies focused on causes and treatments of Peyronie’s Disease. Our study sought to evaluate the psychological implications and factors driving those affected to seek help,” says the study lead author Professor Eric Chung. “It revealed the high prevalence of emotional distress and relationship problems associated with this condition.”

The study showed one in 10 men with PD have sought advice from a medical professional regarding the curve in their penis and that younger men (compared to older men) are less likely to engage a doctor regarding their sex life due to embarrassment.

“Our study concluded the high level of emotional distress and emotional problems, along with poor self perception and physical health impacts warrant intervention with a multimodal health care approach to Peyronie’s Disease to ensure all aspects of the disease affecting the individual are addressed,” says Professor Chung.

The physical aspect Peyronie’s Disease can be treated by a urologist with either medication or surgery depending on the individual case.