Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a disorder in which scar tissue develops inside the penis. Symptoms of PD include hardened scar tissue (plagues) in the penis, penile pain during erections, and curvature (deformity).
When plaques develop, a penis loses its natural flexibility, and the curve takes place. Additionally, most of the time Peyronie’s disease leads to loss of penis length. This medical condition is often associated with erectile dysfunction.
The most common way that men get Peyronie’s disease is through trauma or some repeated injury that hasn’t healed properly. This condition could develop during intercourse, masturbation, or physical activity.
It is common for many men to have a slightly curved penis when it is erect, but the bend is considered significant and problematic if it is anything over a 30-degree angle.
Available medical treatment options are oral medications, traction therapy, vacuum therapy, massage, modeling, and stretching therapy. It is important to treat not just the physical side of the Peyronie’s disease, which is the penile curvature but also to manage the psychological aspect.
I find that men with Peyronie’s disease can experience many lasting emotional and psychological issues. Some of them are depression, relationship problems, fear, grief, anger, anxiety, isolation, low self-esteem, poor body image, and shame. Additionally, difficulty having sex, loss of sexual confidence, lack of sexual interest, performance anxiety, inability to initiate sex, avoiding masturbation, and lack of support from his partner can interfere with both personal and relational aspects.
If you, guys, can relate to anything previously mentioned, consider seeking help: talking to a urologist and a psychotherapist who specializes in sexual dysfunctions is a good start. Reducing anxiety, developing coping skills for emotional issues, changing cognition, enhancing communication skills, learning new ways to be intimate are just some of the psychological strategies that can improve your sexual health.
