I am 45 and was diagnosed with Pyeronie’s at 43. I’ve visited this site from time to time and have been impressed with the support and advice people give one another. So, I’m excited to join the conversation. Here is my story (condensed for brevity):
Summer 2019: My wife has a low libido, for years. She attributes it to being so busy with raising the kids. My self-confidence is low. I take to jelquing, thinking it may improve my performance and reignite our bedroom.
Fall 2019: I notice a bump on the left side of my penis, slightly below the glans. My erections hurt and lose strength. Two different urologists diagnose Peyronie’s. I take lots of ibuprofen and acetaminophen for the pain. One doctor suggests trying pentoxifylline, but I don’t stick with that. I have a mental health crisis during this process: Anxiety, bad insomnia, eventually turns into deep depression. I start therapy.
June 2020: I wait out the six months (as the doctors recommended). Not much curvature forms. The bump is gone, but there is a small dent on the left side when
flaccid. Erections appear normal and don’t hurt as much. When
flaccid, the pain is not as bad, but there is lingering discomfort, especially on the left ridge of the head. I start wearing sweatpants all the time, as zippers or tight pants are very uncomfortable. I am in constant search for underwear that will minimize the discomfort. Any friction when walking is very irritating. Trying different meds to help me sleep. Deep mental suffering.
December 2020: Still struggling. Insomnia still an issue. Have had sex a couple of times, but I’m highly sensitive; finishing super early. Erections are relatively normal, but erections/sex seem to make
flaccid sensations worse in the aftermath.
Sept 2021: Things seem to be getting better, though there are still lingering issues. Still have lots of
flaccid discomfort on the left ridge of the head. Some days are better than others. Erections are normal in terms of shape and size, but my penis is still very sensitive. And I still seem to have greater
flaccid discomfort (all around) following sex. My sleep rhythm is better, and so is my mental health. THEN: I visit the urologist to see what he recommends for the lingering penile issues. He does the standard Peyronie’s exam (squeezing hard all over the place; it hurts like hell). He says I still have scar tissue and that I should consider shockwave (Gainswave?) therapy to treat the pain. I go home and try to resume my life.
Today (Oct 24) 2021: Now it’s been over six weeks since the urologist exam.
Flaccid pain and discomfort have progressively gotten worse. I feel pain in places I haven’t felt before (e.g., at the base). I take my pants and underwear off as much as possible to relieve these sensations. Any restriction or friction is a problem. Pain/discomfort come and go. Walking even a short distance can be highly irritating, or driving down a bumpy road. I wonder if the Peyronie’s exam sent me into a new active phase. Trying to figure out what to do next.
Summary: It’s been a long and difficult two years. I’m still in therapy. Most of my issue is
flaccid pain and discomfort. Sex is possible, but I mostly avoid it because I don’t want to deal with greater pain/discomfort in the weeks that follow. Things were getting better over the summer, but the urologist exam seems to have triggered a new round of increased pain and discomfort, and maybe more
flaccid curvature. I’m not sure about my erection these days, as I’m trying not to have erections. I’m considering shockwave therapy to reduce the pain. I’m open to any new ideas. I realize my symptoms are rare and complicated. Any ideas/recommendations are appreciated.