Mythbusting Common Peyronie’s Disease Misconceptions

Health myths and misconceptions have become a common topic and concern in media and social media, in politics, and among medical professionals. Correcting misinformation is critical to empowering patients with accurate knowledge and with an understanding of how they can take control of their health and address issues as soon as they arise.

3 Myths About Peyronie’s Disease—and the Real Deal Behind Them

Sexual health conditions, such as Peyronie’s disease (PD), may be especially susceptible to misunderstanding due to the sensitive nature and our tendency to avoid the topic. Peyronie’s disease is a medical condition in which a buildup of scar tissue causes an abnormal curve of the penis during an erection. This curvature can be bothersome during arousal and intimacy.¹

Here are some common myths and misconceptions about Peyronie’s disease, and the real facts behind them. 

Myth: Peyronie’s disease is a rare condition²

Fact: Peyronie’s disease is not as uncommon as you may think. PD can be misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed.^3,4

• An estimated 1 in 10 men in the U.S. may have Peyronie’s disease.^3*
• In a survey assessment of 283 Peyronie’s disease patients, only 8% of patients were initially given a Peyronie’s disease diagnosis.⁴ Additionally, 48% of these patients were initially diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED).⁴

Myth: Peyronie’s disease mainly affects seniors²

Fact: Peyronie’s disease is thought to be more common in men ages 40-60, but it can also be found in younger men.

• 22% of patients are under 40 years old.^5†
• More than 60% of patients are 40-59 years old.^5†
• The average diagnosis age is 52.^6‡

Myth: Peyronie’s disease usually resolves without treatment²

Fact: Peyronie’s disease is unlikely to resolve without treatment. In a study of 217 patients with curvature evaluated an average of 14.5 months follow-up after initial assessment:⁶

• 48% saw worsening in erectile curvature.
• 40% saw stable erectile curvature.
• 12% saw improved erectile curvature.

Men who suspect they have Peyronie’s disease should consult a urology specialist to discuss their symptoms and treatment options.

Sexual Health Misconceptions and Hesitations

A 2022 national survey by Men’s Health uncovered some of this hesitation:

• Among respondents who had been sexually active (n=1,331), approximately one-third (34%) said they are “too embarrassed” to talk to anyone about their sexual health, even healthcare professionals, and more than one-quarter (27%) said they would rather “get a root canal” than talk about a sexual health issue.⁷
• Of those men who reported they experienced a sexual health issue (n=514), only 52% discussed such issues with any medical professional and only 44% discussed with their spouse/partner.⁷

Sexual health is an important component to a person’s overall well-being and deserves the same attention as other aspects of physical health. What’s more, we know from research that physical, sexual, and mental health are connected.

• In the same Men’s Health survey mentioned above, among respondents who had experienced a sexual health problem (n=514), 55% felt depressed and 54% felt “less like a man” as a result of their sexual health issue/problem.⁷
• Another 2013 study referenced that 48% of Peyronie’s disease patients are also affected by depression.⁸

Top Truth to Know: See a Specialist

Correcting myths is one way to share accurate information with men who may have Peyronie’s disease, but the most important thing to know is this: Men who suspect they have Peyronie’s disease should talk to a urology specialist.

They are the experts who can assess symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and discuss treatment options. Find a urology specialist near you at GoGetSomebody.com.

*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.
†Based on four studies totaling 1,095 patients reviewed by Pryor et al.
‡Based on a study of 246 men by Mulhall et al.