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23 Year Old Struggling With Peyronie's


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I first realized something was wrong at 13 years old. I had been lying on my stomach in bed, and I remember feeling and hearing a "pop" sound during an erection. I had no idea what it was, and dismissed it. The next day while using the bathroom, I noticed a visible hourglass shape in my flaccid penis. As a 13 year old boy, this was traumatic. Coupled with fordyce spots, and a varicocele on my testicle, my newest problem--peyronies--would end up being my worst enemy, and a life long companion.

Young man looking out at sea

I went through my entire teenage life afraid of sexual contact. My penis is slightly below average (5.2 x 4.4), but my compulsive obsession with searching the internet for answers in lieu of doctors caused me constant anxiety. As a teenager, the last thing you want to do is tell your parents something is "wrong" down there. My GP never realized the condition during checkups, and it was not until I was 20 that I spoke up about it.

Some background on my peyronies: I have about a 40 degree curve upwards with a bend to the left. The hourglass deformity rears its head in cold conditions, but there is always a slight bulge in the middle/bottom of my shaft from where the scar tissue formed.

Fast forward to my 20s. I finally had the guts to tell my parents what was wrong, and my dad, who is an oncologist, had me see the chief of urology at his hospital. That is when I received my first official diagnosis. It was a relief, in a way, to finally know it WAS peyronies. My parents had told me they doubted anything serious was wrong, and that I was exaggerating. But this was evidence that I have a very real condition, both a painful one mentally and physically.

Up until a few weeks ago, at 23 years old, my sexual experience was minimal. I finally lost my virginity to a wonderful, supportive girl. However, sex for me hurts--and she knows it. It was always my biggest fear, and now it's a reality, and I am afraid to lose her because of it. Aside from my peyronies, my penis is also extremely rigid, and cannot bend parallel with the floor (it's restricted, comfortably, to about a 45 degree angle from my torso). Through sexual experiences so far with my girl friend, missionary is only possible if the angle is absolutely perfect, and after 5 minutes becomes painful. Doggy style and cowgirl remain impossible.

I am at a true crossroads of my life. I don't know if I should seek treatment. I am afraid, and feel alone in my condition. I always heard of peyronies affecting men later in life, but I have had it before I even started masturbating. I sat in my bed in tears with my girlfriend next to me, because I was unable to maintain an erection, and sex was incredibly painful. I don't know what to do. I hope someday in the near future to seek treatment, but surgery terrifies me. I just wish this would go away.

Comment On J's Story

  1. Birgir May 22, 2014

    Dear J

    Thank you very much for sharing your story, it is very brave of you. I really feel sorry for you and others that have to deal with Peyronie's at such a young age. Yes, Peyronie's disease is more common in older men but young men can also develop Peyronie's disease. I know of others similar age as you, and I know your story will help them and other young men in similar position.

    I'm really glad that you were able to share your plight with your parents. It really makes a difference to have someone to talk to, whether it is a partner, parent, or friend. It is also good that you have seen a doctor and had a formal diagnosis. However, you don't say what the Urologist said. Did he recommend any treatment, or did he recommend the "wait and see" approach?

    It is also great to hear you have met a wonderful, supportive girl. Many men with Peyronie's disease are in great relationships. Your condition is not the biggest risk to your relationship, your fear of losing the girl because of your condition is a greater risk to it. As long as you involve your girlfriend and keep the communication open and continue exploring the best way for you two to have satisfying sexual relationship... then your relationship can survive Peyronie's (even become stronger because of it). Remember the biggest and best sex organ after all is the brain!

    You say you don't know if you should seek a treatment and that surgery terrifies you. I agree that surgery is always the last option, you should always explore other options first. And there are treatment options. There are oral medications, injections, traction therapies, etc. Combination of various non-surgical treatments has helped many men in your position. I don't know which articles you have read on MyPeyronies.com but I would like to recommend those to start with:

    - Overview of The Most Popular Peyronie's Treatments Today

    - Dr. Levine combined Peyronie's Treatment Plan

    - Articles about how to Survive Peyronie's As A Couple

    I strongly recommend you see a Peyronie's specialist a.s.a.p. Because there may be things that can help you, i.e. to improve your condition. APDA (Association of Peyronie's Advocates) offers Physician Finder Opens in new window symbol, which can help you to find a Peyronie's specialist in your area.

    Don't lose hope. Seek help and explore the options you have. Accept all the support you have access to, involve your girlfriend and parents as you can. They may feel helpless and unsure what to say and do, so help them out by involving them as much as you feel comfortable with.

    I hope you will keep us posted about your progress. I wish you all the best and again, thank you very much for sharing your story with My Peyronie's readers.

    Best regards,

    Birgir

  1. Aaron May 22, 2014

    Hello, it is refreshing personally to read your story. I am 25 years old and have suffered with the same condition since I was 20. I carried on for years feeling ashamed and embarrassed because it affects our sexual relationship between my wife and I. Mine is slightly different as I have no curvature to my Penis however I have a gradually increasing number of very painful lumps particularly whilst erect. This is the first time I have shared my story and I had no idea other young men were in the same situation.

    I hope you can find a solution very quickly. You're not alone...

    Aaron

    • Birgir May 22, 2014

      Dear Aaron

      Thank you for your comment and for sharing your experience. Peyronie's is more common among older men but it can affect men of all ages. It is so important that young men like you and J know they are not alone. I know your stories will help many young men and encourage them to seek professional help a.s.a.p.

      Fortunately, young men today are much more forthcoming than their fathers and grandfathers. This is great as we need to raise the awareness of this disease. Peyronie's is nothing to be ashamed about, it's just like any other unfortunate health condition.

      I'm know (private message) that J saw his urologist today and after ultrasound is beginning a Verapamil injection treatment and will hopefully keep us posted about his progress.

      You don't mention in your comment, but I hope you have seen a doctor about your condition. And I hope you and your wife are dealing with this together.

      Again, thank you very much for your comment. I wish you and your wife all the best.

      Best regards,

      Birgir

    • J May 26, 2014

      Aaron,

      Thank you so much for your response. After seeking treatment, I have decided to be very proactive about my condition. I will update the page as I go through with treatment options. I hope you decide to get treatment too! It feels as if a giant weight was lifted from my shoulders. I feel hopeful, and optimistic. It's amazing what a plan of action can do for you.

      Best wishes to you, Aaron. Thank you for sharing your story.

      J

  1. J August 8th, 2017

    I wanted to give you a quick update--I decided not to go through with the injections, and have sought therapy to begin to cope with it mentally. In terms of pain, the body has an amazing way of adapting. I am now able to have sex, albeit mostly only in the missionary position comfortably but completely pain free!

    In terms of a relationship, I am no longer with the girl mentioned in my original story, but I have found another girl who is completely accepting of my condition. In fact, not a single girl I have been with since losing my virginity (3) has had any complaints that some positions are difficult for me (cowgirl and doggy). My confidence that women will be more accepting of the condition has grown. I care, and cared, far more than they did.

    There is hope for anyone reading my story. It's still mental gymnastics sometimes trying to cope with it, and perhaps one day I will opt for injections or treatment, but for now, I am able to have a happy and healthy sexual and romantic relationship without my peyronies interfering. Best of luck to you and your readers. It means the world I was able to help someone through the magic of sharing my story online through your page.

    Best wishes,

    J

    • Birgir August 8th, 2017

      Dear J

      It is really great to hear from you and I’m so happy to hear that you are doing so well. You are very level headed young man. I was actually never worried about you but it is really good to learn that I was right!

      Saying that, I know and understand this is still much to deal with but you are dealing with your issues in the best way possible, i.e. with the help of a good woman and by not ignoring the mental side of the disease.

      As long as you can have a happy and healthy sexual and romantic relationship without your Peyronie’s interfering there is no need as such to go through the physical difficulties and cost of treatments. Or at least it can wait until whenever suits you. Your condition is stable now so there is no rush. Just enjoy life for now, you are in your prime.

      Again, thank you very much for the update. In my opinion you raise very important point. That we men tend to care far more than our women do. So we should not let our fear of the unknown ruin our lives. Because usually the fear is unfounded.

      I wish you all the best in the future.

      Kind regards,

      Birgir

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Hello, I'm Birgir

This website is based on my experience of Peyronie's disease