Education Helps Improve Quality Of Life For Patients With Peyronie's Disease

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Also Included In: Nursing / Midwifery;  Men's health
Article Date: 02 May 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Peyronie's disease, a connective tissue disorder in which fibrous plaques develop in the soft tissue of the penis, occurs in about 1% of men. Patients usually seek treatment after experiencing painful erections and difficulty with sexual intercourse, issues which can be very emotional and stressful. D. Eileen Fisher and co-authors present a case study illustrating the clinical implications of Peyronie's disease in the April 2008 issue of Urologic Nursing.

Treatments often take place long-term and can include medication, injections and surgeries, all of which help decrease plaque size, penis curvature and pain. The authors note that currently, no research exists that documents a completely effective medical treatment. They recommend additional research to find medical-surgical interventions that improve results.

It's important that patient and sexual partner maintain communication, say the authors, and they suggest nurses encourage counseling. Fisher and co-authors also say education will help the patient manage symptoms that affect his quality of life.

"Peyronie's Disease: A Case Study With Clinical Implications"
D. Eileen Fisher, MSN, RN; Susan P. Lofton, PhD, RNC, CNS; Theresa Hale, BSN, RN; Norma Durant, BSN, RN; LaVerne F. Grant, PhD, RN
Urologic Nursing; April 2008; www.suna.org)

About SUNA (Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates)

The Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates is a national, non-profit professional membership association with over 3,000 members and annual revenues of $1.5 million. SUNA derives its income from membership dues ($60), conference registration fees, exhibits, advertising, grants, and the sale of educational products.

SUNA publishes a professional, peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal (Urologic Nursing Journal) and a bi-monthly newsletter (Uro-Gram). SUNA establishes the scope and standards of urologic nursing practice and the scope and standards of advanced urologic nursing practice. SUNA provides scholarships, grants and awards to deserving nurses and other health care professionals. SUNA supports and promotes the certification of urologic nurses and associates by providing educational preparation for the examinations offered which lead to certification in three areas. SUNA provides a variety of opportunities for participation including local chapters, task forces and Special Interest Groups (SIGS) in five major subspecialty areas.

www.suna.org