On the subject of males’s well being, there are nonetheless situations which might be not often spoken about, even inside households. One such situation is Peyronie’s illness — a dysfunction that may considerably have an effect on each bodily well being and emotional well-being however usually goes unrecognised as a result of embarrassment or lack of understanding.
As a urologist, I usually meet males who’ve silently lived with the signs for months, generally years, earlier than lastly in search of assist. By this time, the illness has usually progressed, impacting not solely their sexual well being but in addition their confidence, relationships, and high quality of life.
What’s Peyronie’s Illness?
Peyronie’s illness happens when fibrous scar tissue (plaques) develops contained in the penis, resulting in an irregular bend or curvature throughout erection. This will trigger ache, issue with sexual activity, and in some circumstances, erectile dysfunction.
World research estimate that between 3% and 9% of males could also be affected, with prevalence rising amongst these between 40 and 70 years of age. In some populations, surveys counsel the quantity might be as excessive as 1 in 10 males. Regardless of this, many circumstances stay undiagnosed, as males usually keep away from in search of medical look after sexual well being points.
In India, we suspect comparable prevalence, however cultural boundaries and stigma round discussing males’s well being imply a lot of circumstances possible go unreported.
Not in search of assist
The largest problem in India is silence. Many males dismiss signs as a standard a part of ageing or keep away from in search of care as a result of embarrassment. Some flip to unverified residence cures or delay medical session till the illness turns into extreme.
It is a essential concern as a result of Peyronie’s illness is a medical situation, not a mirrored image of masculinity or virility. The longer one waits, the less the minimally invasive choices accessible.
Advances in remedy
Over the previous decade, remedy for Peyronie’s illness has superior considerably the world over, and India is now adopting many of those improvements:
Medical therapies: Oral drugs present restricted advantages, however intralesional injections are more and more being launched in India with encouraging ends in decreasing curvature.
Minimally invasive approaches: Penile traction remedy gadgets, now accessible in India, are proving efficient when used within the early phases of the illness.
Surgical excellence: For extreme curvature, surgical procedure stays the best resolution. Methods comparable to plication, grafting, and penile prosthesis implantation are being carried out in Indian centres with profitable outcomes.
Holistic care: Therapy in India more and more contains psychological assist, couple counseling, and sexual well being training, acknowledging the emotional affect of the illness.
Breaking the stigma
Analysis exhibits that males usually wait over a 12 months earlier than in search of medical recommendation for Peyronie’s illness. This delay can result in worsening curvature and the necessity for extra invasive therapies. In India, the place males’s well being discussions are much more restricted, undiagnosed circumstances could also be far increased.
You will need to perceive that Peyronie’s illness isn’t uncommon, and is actually not one thing to be ashamed of. It’s a recognised medical situation with efficient remedy choices accessible.
For males who expertise penile curvature, ache throughout erections, or difficulties with sexual exercise, consulting a professional urologist early, could make a big distinction. Households and companions also can play an vital function by providing emotional assist and inspiring well timed medical care.
Enhancing consciousness
With fashionable therapies and superior surgical experience now accessible in India, males now not must silently endure the burden of Peyronie’s illness. Consciousness, early motion, and open conversations are the keys to higher outcomes, preserved sexual well being, and improved high quality of life.
The secret is to behave early — well timed session with a urologist and early remedy in these sufferers ensures higher outcomes and total well-being.
(Dr. Sandeep Bafna is a advisor in reconstructive urology at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. drsandeep_bafna@apollohospitals.com)
Revealed – September 18, 2025 04:15 pm IST
Discover more from News Journals
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
