Peyronie’s disease and mental health are closely intertwined; it’s no surprise that men pay more attention to their penis than to any other part of the body—and even take pride in it.
This reverence for the penis is ancient—more than 5,000 years—and it persists today, whether explicitly or subconsciously. The organ is linked to fertility, virility, and male sexual performance.
Therefore, when the penis begins to show signs of the condition, the patient suffers. In this blog we’ll explore the impacts of Peyronie’s disease on men’s mental health and how to lessen them.
What Is Peyronie’s Disease?
Acquired penile curvature was first identified in the French king Louis XIV in 1743. His physician, François Gigot de La Peyronie, was the first to describe the illness.
The disease consists of a scar in the tunica albuginea—the connective tissue that envelopes the corpora cavernosa, the erectile bodies of the penis. This scar reduces tissue elasticity, causing the affected side(s) to bend when the organ is erect.
The curvature, usually noticed by the man himself, can worsen over time if left untreated, making penetration difficult during intercourse.
Peyronie’s Disease and Mental Health: How Does the Condition Affect Men?
The relationship between Peyronie’s disease and mental health varies in intensity from patient to patient, but it mainly interferes with quality of life and male sexual well-being.
Changes in penile anatomy can trigger negative reactions during, or just before, sex. Fear of failure, of a partner noticing something wrong, of poor performance, or of not satisfying the partner elevates adrenaline levels, hindering the blood flow needed for a firm erection.
Moreover, because Peyronie’s disease is associated with erectile dysfunction, men may feel anxious about achieving and maintaining an erection throughout intercourse and insecure about their performance.
Some men also feel ashamed and avoid visiting a urologist. A degree of machismo often keeps them away from the doctor’s office, delaying diagnosis while the disease progresses.
Living with such negative feelings for a long time can lead some men to shy away from relationships and sex. Others turn to pornography, which can become addictive and disrupt daily life and social interactions.
Depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and other mental-health conditions are commonly diagnosed in these patients.
It’s also worth noting that men without Peyronie’s disease, but who feel anxious during sex, can eventually develop the condition. Low-quality erections tend to cause micro-traumas that form fibrosis plaques characteristic of the disease.
Peyronie’s Disease and Mental Health: How to Ease the Psychological Impact
Although a certain decline in mental health is almost unavoidable, remember that your sexuality itself is not compromised by the condition.
In truth, pleasure originates in the brain. During flirting, foreplay, or even fantasizing alone, the brain releases dopamine—the “pleasure neurotransmitter”—and epinephrine. So, even with Peyronie’s disease, your sex life can still be highly enjoyable.
Many men continue having normal sexual relations. When the disease is in its early stage or stabilizes with a mild curve, it’s possible to achieve a strong erection, penetrate the partner, move comfortably, and feel no pain.
Under these circumstances, physicians guide patients on having safe intercourse, avoiding traumas that could worsen the condition. Key tips include generous lubrication and positions that give you better control.
However, the best way to mitigate the psychological impact is to seek medical help because Peyronie’s disease is treatable, with good success rates using medication or surgery.
Do I Have Peyronie’s Disease?
Because men value their penis greatly, they often notice when something feels off.
Most penises are not perfectly straight, but if yours is bending more than it used to, you might have Peyronie’s disease. The curve may point sideways, upward, downward, or in more than one direction. In severe cases it can reach 90°.
Peyronie’s disease also brings other symptoms. Because of the curve, you’ll notice that your penis loses length and becomes shorter. It can also show one or more points of indentation.
Fibrosis plaques can sometimes be felt. When you touch the penis while flaccid, you may feel small lumps—these are the plaques.
Erectile dysfunction is another symptom. With curvature, loss of length and girth, plus insecurity, achieving or sustaining an erection becomes harder. Even if you don’t yet have Peyronie’s disease, inadequate rigidity increases your risk by causing new traumas that form fibrosis.
Pain during erection and/or penetration is another red flag. During sex, you may find penetration harder, need to guide the penis with your hand, experience frequent slippage, or make shorter movements.
If this description of Peyronie’s disease and mental health matches your experience, visit a trusted urologist. The specialist will recommend treatment to restore your sexual quality of life. Contact us for the help you need.