(278) Peyronie's Disease Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Perceptions, Characteristics, and Psychosocial factors

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Peyronie’s Disease (PD) is a condition characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue causing penile curvature and often painful erections. From a sexual health perspective, PD is commonly researched in heterosexual men; however, there is a paucity of data assessing the impact that PD has on men who have sex with men (MSM) population. Objective This prospective survey study sought to collect data on how PD affects MSM from a biopsychosocial and sexual perspective and compare this population’s experience with non-MSM. Methods An anonymous online survey was deemed IRB exempt and administered to the following online platforms: Reddit to include r/PeyroniesSupport, r/lgbtstudies, r/sex, and on Facebook to the Peyronie’s Disease Support group in July 2023. Participants were asked demographic info, sexual orientation, type of sexual intercourse, family history of PD, history of trauma, immune disease, PD symptoms, partner and self-bother, degree of curvature, care seeking, medical interventions, impact on mental health, disease progression, as well as the Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) survey. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results Thirty-six men completed the survey, nine being MSM (11.8% “men and others” and 14.7% “strictly men"). Reported sexual interactions included anal (50%), vaginal (77%), and oral (79%) intercourse. History of penile trauma occurred in 32% of respondents. None of the respondents reported a family history of PD, and two subjects disclosed autoimmune diseases. The most common symptoms, experienced by 91% of subjects, were “shortening and/or narrowing of the penis,” followed by: erectile dysfunction (69%), difficulty with sexual intercourse (44%), painful erections (31%), and painful sexual intercourse or masturbation (28%). 85% of surveyed men and 100% of MSM stated PD negatively impacts their mental health. Assessment of partner satisfaction revealed women express greater disapproval (12%) compared to men (3%). The majority of men (91%) reported seeing a urologist with only 35% seeing one regularly and 50% being MSM. A negative experience with a urologist was reported in 40% of MSM and 20% of non-MSM. Degrees of reported curvature were: 77% with less than or equal to 45 degrees, 6% between 46-60 degrees, and 18% between 61-90 degrees. Greater than 60% and 27% were offered medical and surgical interventions, respectfully. 62% reported their PD has remained stable. Conclusions In conclusion, the results of this survey suggest that PD may have a greater negative effect on mental health and experience with a urologist for MSM. However, non-MSM are more likely to experience partner disapproval. Overall, the characteristics of PD do not grossly vary between MSM and non-MSM but the psychosocial aspect may possess greater consequences for MSM. More data is needed on this understudied population affected by PD. Disclosure No.