Studies show that close to half of men over the age of 40 experience some form of erectile dysfunction (ED). While ED can have a profound impact on a man’s life – from his self-esteem to his relationships – certain ED-related conditions, including Peyronie’s disease, can also have more serious physical implications.
Peyronie’s disease is a rare condition in men that can cause abnormally bent or curved erections, potentially painful, due to the buildup of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis. Around 200,000 men are diagnosed with the condition each year.
Alec, 48, a Virginia Beach resident who asked only to be identified by a pseudonymous first name, was diagnosed with Peyronie’s in early 2015. He noticed his erection pointed more toward the left than it had before, and he also felt a hard spot near the base. “It didn’t hurt, but it felt off,” he explained.
After researching his symptoms online, Alec discovered Peyronie’s disease. A visit to a urologist confirmed the diagnosis. Peyronie’s is thought to be caused by small injuries that happen instead during sex or physical activity, even if the man doesn’t notice them at the time. Like most men with the condition, Alec could not recall any specific trauma or injury to his genitals.
For some men, Peyronie’s disease is only a temporary affliction, and the curve resolves itself over time. For others, Peyronie’s is a chronic, lifelong condition. While there is currently no cure for Peyronie’s, there are several treatment options, the least invasive of which is oral medication to help increase blood flow. If pills don’t improve the condition, a medication called Xiaflex, which is injected directly into the penis, is another option. Surgery is the most invasive treatment option, and should only be considered as a last resort if oral medications or injections are unsuccessful.
Alec chose to pursue the Xiaflex injections in an attempt to break down the excess collagen that makes up the scar tissue in his penis. First the urologist injected a drug into Alec’s penis that caused him to have an erection. The doctor measured the degree of the curve of Alec’s erection so she could monitor progress during treatment. (In order to receive the injections, the patient’s penis has to have at least a 30-degree bend.) After the erection went away, the doctor injected the Xiaflex a few hours later that same day. Alec visited the urologist’s office two days later for another round of injections. The next day he returned to the urologist’s office so the doctor could “shape” his penis by stretching and bending it in the opposite direction of the curvature.
After three rounds of treatment, each six weeks apart, Alec unfortunately did not notice any significant improvement in his condition. He decided not to undergo the fourth and final round. His condition has not worsened, and he is learning new ways to cope with the physical changes.
Peyronie’s disease can also have a far reaching mental and emotional impact. A man’s self-esteem is often directly tied to his ability to satisfy his partner, and being unable to enjoy an active sex life could cause problems in a relationship or lead to depression. Because Peyronie’s is not a widely known or studied condition, men who are diagnosed with it often feel isolated and embarrassed. In addition to pursuing treatment with a physician, men living with Peyronie’s should also consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who specializes in relationships and sexuality.
Alec admits that being diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease has interfered with sexual activity, but he and his wife have learned to adapt their lovemaking and still enjoy intimacy. “Peyronie’s doesn’t have to mean your sex life is over,” he said. “Just because it has to change, doesn’t mean it has to end.”
