Shame, Catastrophizing, and Negative Partner Responses Are Associated With Lower Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction and More Negative Affect in Men With Peyronie's Disease

Abstract

Peyronie's disease (PD) has a negative impact on men's sexual functioning and quality of life, but little is known about why some men cope better than others and what the effects of PD are on their relationships. The aims of the present study were to describe negative affect, pain, and relationship and sexual satisfaction in men with PD, and to explore their psychosocial correlates. Participants were 110 men diagnosed with PD. All men completed questionnaires. The main outcome measures were as follows: Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Negative Affect Scale. The predictor variables were the following: Experience of Shame Scale, Body Esteem Scale, Body Image Self-Consciousness Scale, Index of Male Genital Image, a modified Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and a modified Multidimensional Pain Inventory. Although men with PD had mean sexual/relationship satisfaction and negative affect scores indicating mild impairment, there was a wide range of variation, with 42% to 52% scoring in the clinical range. Catastrophizing was significantly associated with reduced sexual satisfaction and increased negative affect and pain. Shame was also associated with increased negative affect. The significant associations of relationship satisfaction were partner responses and shame. Given the lack of curative treatment in PD, understanding why some men cope better than others may guide therapy. Shame, catastrophizing, and partner responses may be important therapeutic targets.

Patient perspectives on Peyronie’s disease: results of poststudy interviews from a phase 2 trial of collagenase clostridium histolyticum

“…The combination of negative emotions and reduced frequency of sex may substantially impact the emotional and sexual health of patients and their partners. For example, relationship difficulties in men with PD have been reported frequently [11, 12, 16], and in the current study, one-fifth of patients said that PD negatively impacted their relationships with their partners. Although the factors underlying these relationship difficulties are likely diverse, emotional difficulties and the ability to have intercourse both have been shown to predict relationship problems [11].…”

“…Although the factors underlying these relationship difficulties are likely diverse, emotional difficulties and the ability to have intercourse both have been shown to predict relationship problems [11]. Furthermore, catastrophizing, increased bother or distress and reduced sexual frequency have been reported to negatively impact sexual satisfaction in men with sexual difficulties [16–18]. However, female partners of men with sexual dysfunction may not be as impacted by these symptoms as was once thought.…”

Does Intralesional Injection of Clostridium Histolyticum affect the Treatment Practice of Peyronie’s Disease?

“…Penile curvature and pain during erection present a significant bothersome issue for both men with PD and their partner [6][7][8].…”

Non-invasive treatment in the management of Peyronie’s disease

“…12 Preliminary research has also shown negative partner reactions to be associated with lower sexual and relationship satisfaction in men with PD. 13 Assessment of the emotional, psychosexual, and relationship aspects of the patient’s PD symptoms that negatively impact the patient’s quality of life, are needed to prioritize treatment goals. 14…”