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Recognizing Men’s Health Conditions: Signs and Resources for PD, ED, and TD

Health & Patients

Understanding your health starts with awareness. Conditions such as Peyronie’s disease (PD), erectile dysfunction (ED), and testosterone deficiency (TD) are more common than people realize, yet they often go underdiagnosed or are surrounded by stigma. 

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.:  

  • Approximately  10%  of men  may have PD1*  

  • Around  18%  of men  experience ED2+  

  • 10-40%  of men  have TD,3‡  yet  less than 5% are diagnosed and treated4  

  • 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:  

  • A curve with a bump in  the  erection5  

  • Pain during intimacy or arousal5  

  • Difficulty getting and  maintaining  an erection5  

  • Depression6  

 For more information on PD, visit these resources:  

Erectile Dysfunction  

ED is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.7  Signs and symptoms of  ED  include:  

  • Difficulty getting and  maintaining  an erection7  

  • Reduced sex drive7  

  • Depression7  

 For more information on  ED, visit these resources:  

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:  

  • Reduced sex drive and penile sensation8   

  • Difficulty getting and  maintaining  an erection8   

  • Increased body fat, anemia, decreased muscle strength, bone mass, and endurance8   

  • Depressed mood8   

  • Hot flashes8   

  • Male infertility8   

 For more information on  TD, visit these resources:   

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. Men can talk to a urology specialist to find 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:

  1. Stuntz M,  et al. The prevalence of Peyronie's disease in the United States: A Population-Based Study.  PLoS  One. 2016;11(2):e0150157.  

  1. Selvin E,  et al.  Prevalence  and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in the US.  Am J Med. 2007;120(2):151-157.  

  1. Anaissie  J,  et al. Testosterone deficiency in adults and corresponding treatment patterns across the globe. Transl  Androl  Urol. 2017;6(2):183-191.  

  1. Seftel  AD. Male hypogonadism. Part I: Epidemiology of hypogonadism.  Int J Impot Res. 2006;18(2):115-120.  

  1. 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.  

  1. Nelson CJ, et al.  The chronology of depression and distress in men with Peyronie's disease.  J Sex Med. 2008;5(8):1985-1990.  

  1. Burnett AL, et al. Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline [published correction appears in  J Urol. 2022 Mar;207(3):743].  J Urol.  2018;200(3):633-641.  

  1. Kumar P, et al. Male hypogonadism: Symptoms and treatment.  J Adv Pharm Technol Res.  2010;1(3):297-301.  

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