Men’s Health Month: Time to Speak Up and Take Control
Health & Patients
June is Men’s Health Month. It’s a time to empower men to take charge of their well-being, especially when it comes to conditions that often go underdiagnosed or are surrounded by stigma, like Peyronie’s disease (PD), erectile dysfunction (ED), and testosterone deficiency (TD).
Health should not be a mystery. With the right information and support, men can take control, speak up, and connect with healthcare providers who have the expertise to support their health journey and, when needed, help create treatment plans that fit their needs.
Men’s Health Conditions Are More Common Than You Think
In the U.S.:
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Approximately 10% of men may have PD1*
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Around 18% of men experience ED2+
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10-40% of men have TD,3 yet less than 5% are diagnosed and treated4‡
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92% of men with PD were not diagnosed during their first visit for penile symptoms5§
Chances are that you, or someone you know, may be experiencing one of these conditions. Understanding PD, ED, and TD, including their symptoms and related health issues, is essential. The more you know, the easier it becomes to recognize the signs and act.
What to Know About PD, ED, and TD
Peyronie’s Disease
PD is a medical condition involving a buildup of scar tissue that forms under the skin of the penis and causes an abnormal curve in the erection.5 Signs and symptoms of PD include:
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A curve with a bump in the erection5
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Pain during intimacy or arousal5
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Difficulty getting and maintaining an erection5
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Depression6
For more information on PD, visit these resources:
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Keenova’s educational website about PD: talkaboutpd.com
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Men’s Health Network: menshealthnetwork.org/peyronies
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Sexual Medicine Society of North America: smsna.org/patients/peyronie-s-disease
Erectile Dysfunction
ED is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.7 Signs and symptoms of ED include:
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Difficulty getting and maintaining an erection7
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Reduced sex drive7
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Depression7
For more information on ED, visit these resources:
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Men’s Health Network: menshealthnetwork.org/erectile-dysfunction
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Sexual Medicine Society of North America: smsna.org/patients/conditions/erectile-dysfunction
Testosterone Deficiency
TD, or low testosterone, is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone.8 Signs and symptoms of TD include:
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Reduced sex drive and penile sensation8
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Difficulty getting and maintaining an erection8
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Increased body fat, anemia, decreased muscle strength, bone mass, and endurance8
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Depressed mood8
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Hot flashes8
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Male infertility8
For more information on TD, visit these resources:
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Men’s Health Network: menshealthnetwork.org/low-testosterone
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Sexual Medicine Society of North America: smsna.org/patients/conditions/low-testosterone
Taking Action for Your Health
Medical conditions like PD, ED, and TD may impact a man’s quality of life, in addition to his health, but help is available. This Men’s Health Month, we encourage men to consult a urology specialist and take steps toward finding a treatment option that’s right for them.
* Based on a survey of about 7,700 U.S. adult men with a PD diagnosis, PD-related symptoms, or a history of seeking treatment for the condition.
+ Cross-sectional analysis of data from 2,126 adult male participants in the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
‡ Prevalence based on total testosterone threshold.
§ Based on a population-based survey by DiBenedetti et al where out of 283 men with PD, 128 reported seeing a doctor for the treatment of penile-related symptoms.
References:
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Stuntz M, et al. The prevalence of Peyronie's disease in the United States: A Population-Based Study. PLoS One. 2016;11(2):e0150157.
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Selvin E, et al. Prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in the US. Am J Med. 2007;120(2):151-157.
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Anaissie J, et al. Testosterone deficiency in adults and corresponding treatment patterns across the globe. Transl Androl Urol. 2017;6(2):183-191.
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Seftel AD. Male hypogonadism. Part I: Epidemiology of hypogonadism. Int J Impot Res. 2006;18(2):115-120.
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DiBenedetti DB, et al. A population-based study of Peyronie's disease: prevalence and treatment patterns in the United States. Adv Urol. 2011;2011:282503.
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Nelson CJ, et al. The chronology of depression and distress in men with Peyronie's disease. J Sex Med. 2008;5(8):1985-1990.
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Burnett AL, et al. Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline [published correction appears in J Urol. 2022 Mar;207(3):743] [published correction appears in J Urol. 2022 Mar;207(3):743]. J Urol. 2018;200(3):633-641.
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Kumar P, et al. Male hypogonadism: Symptoms and treatment. J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2010;1(3):297-301.
