A Review of Treatment-Related Outcomes in Female Partners of Men With Peyronie's Disease-An Opportunity for Improved Assessment.

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a disorder of the penile tunica albuginea, causing penile deformity, shortening, pain, and sexual dysfunction. While studies have shown treatment efficacy for patients, research on treatment-related outcomes for sexual partners is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to review the literature on clinical characteristics and treatment-related outcomes from the perspective of female sexual partners of PD patients.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE databases to identify all studies pertaining to PD and partner satisfaction through December 2019. 13 articles that discussed partner satisfaction with treatments of PD including oral, intralesional, and surgical therapy were found in the literature review.

RESULTS

At baseline, female partners of men with PD report lower sexual satisfaction and dyspareunia. Results showed that intralesional injection of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum resulted in partner satisfaction in approximately 70% of patients based on differing definitions. Penile plication demonstrated variable partner satisfaction ranging from 34% to 88% whereas plaque incision or partial excision with grafting achieved rates ranging from 90% to 100%. Penile prosthesis implantation resulted in partner satisfaction rates ranging from 40% to 75%.

CONCLUSION

PD has a negative impact on psychological and emotional well-being for both patients and their female partners. Surgical and non-surgical treatment for PD has the ability to improve sexual satisfaction of partners. Studies discussed focus on the various forms of treatment for men with PD; however, the available studies were notably limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent use of validated questionnaires, and lack of control groups. In addition, the topic of partner satisfaction discussed in the articles mainly examined the response of female partners and did not discuss effects of the disease on male partners. Clinicians should consider carefully screening PD partners for sexual dysfunction to optimize couple-focused therapy. Further studies are needed to evaluate effects on male sexual partners of PD patients. Parikh NN, Heslop DL, Bajic P, et al. A Review of Treatment-Related Outcomes in Female Partners of Men With Peyronie's Disease-An Opportunity for Improved Assessment. J Sex Med 2020;8:548-560.