A Population-Based Study of Peyronie's Disease: Prevalence and Treatment Patterns in the United States

• Published in: Advances in Urology Vol. 2011; no. 2011; pp. 61 - 69
• Main Authors: Ziemiecki, Ryan, Nguyen, Dat, Zografos, Laurie, Zhou, Xiaolei, DiBenedetti, Dana Britt
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Limiteds 01.01.2011; Hindawi Puplishing Corporation; Hindawi Publishing Corporation; Hindawi Limited
• ISSN: 1687-6369; 1687-6377
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/282503

Purpose. To estimate the US prevalence of Peyronie's disease (PD) from patient-reported data and to identify diagnosis and treatment patterns. Methods. 11,420 US males ≥18 years old completed a brief web-based survey regarding the presence of PD, past treatments, and penile symptoms (Phase 1). Phase 1 respondents with PD diagnosis, history of treatment, or PD-related symptoms then completed a disease-specific survey (Phase 2). Results. Estimated prevalence of PD ranged from 0.5% (diagnosis of PD) to 13% (diagnosis, treatment, or penile symptoms). Thirty-six percent of Phase 2 participants reported that penile symptoms interfered with sexual activities. Of participants who sought treatment for penile symptoms (n=128), 73% initially saw a primary care physician, 74% did not receive treatment from their first doctor, and 92% were not diagnosed with PD. Conclusions. PD may be underdiagnosed/undertreated in the US. Improved awareness is needed of PD symptoms and treatment options among health care professionals.