Peyronie's Disease Awareness Day: supporting knowledge through Research
Peyronie’s disease is characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue within the penis, which may lead to curvature, shortening, pain and difficulties during sexual activity. Beyond its physical manifestations, the condition can also affect self-confidence, intimate relationships and overall quality of life. Research has shown that the psychological and functional burden of the disease is often underestimated, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to patient assessment and care.
Increasing awareness is an important step toward reducing stigma, encouraging open dialogue and supporting timely diagnosis. Greater understanding of the patient experience can also contribute to improved clinical decision-making and more patient-centered approaches to disease management.
In this context, research continues to play a key role in advancing knowledge on Peyronie’s disease and its impact on patients. Earlier this year, the scientific journal Sexual Medicine published “Development and validation of PEYRO-Q: a novel multidimensional patient-reported outcome measure for Peyronie’s disease”. The study describes the development and validation of PEYRO-Q, a novel patient-reported outcome questionnaire developed through an international collaboration of leading urology experts to provide a comprehensive and inclusive assessment of Peyronie’s disease.
Unlike traditional evaluation tools, the questionnaire was designed to capture multiple dimensions of the patient experience, including physical symptoms, sexual function and psychological impact. It also incorporates a broader and more inclusive approach to sexual health and relationships, reflecting the diverse experiences of people living with the condition.
On Peyronie’s Disease Awareness Day, we reaffirm the importance of scientific research in deepening knowledge of conditions that can profoundly affect people’s lives. By supporting initiatives that enhance understanding of patient needs and experiences, we aspire to contribute to a future where awareness, dialogue and evidence-based knowledge continue to advance patient care.
For those interested in exploring the research in greater detail, the full open-access publication “Development and validation of PEYRO-Q: a novel multidimensional patient-reported outcome measure for Peyronie’s disease“ is available on PubMed.
Fidia supported the research that led to the development of PEYRO-Qand holds the copyright to the study data and any and all intellectual property rights on the PEYRO–Q questionnaire and the related trademark. The company had no role in the data analysis or interpretation of the results.
Reference
Cocci A. et al. Development and validation of PEYRO-Q: a novel multidimensional patient-reported outcome measure for Peyronie’s disease. Sexual Medicine, 2026.