(292) DEVELOPMENT OF A SURVEY TO ASSESS WOMEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH PROVIDERS’ AWARENESS AND APPROACH TOWARD PEYRONIE’S DISEASE AND THE IMPACT ON THE FEMALE SEXUAL PARTNER
Authors: Goldstein I , Goldstein S , Hartzell R , Rowen T , Rahman S , Lynn B , Kelly-Jones A , Hurley D , Kaufman G , Bathish L , Tay N , Kingsberg S 
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by the development of collagen-containing plaques in the tunica albuginea. This alteration results in penile deformities that are most evident during erection, which can lead to sexual dysfunction, significant emotional distress, low self-esteem, and penile pain. PD in men may also have significant negative effects on sexual function and satisfaction for female sexual partners of patients with PD. A recent literature review concluded that PD can be emotionally and psychologically debilitating for patients as well as partners. It has been associated with depression, social stigmatization, isolation, diminished self-worth, and avoidance of intimacy (Kern 2021, Sex Med Rev). Despite this evidence, the extent to which women's sexual health (WSH) providers are familiar with PD and its implications for their female patients is not well understood.

Objective

To develop a survey to assess the practices and awareness of WSH providers regarding their patients’ male sexual partners, specifically focusing on PD.

Methods

Using the clinical and research expertise of study team members and a review of the literature on PD and its relationship to WSH, we identified areas of inquiry, drafted general survey questions, and then convened a meeting of advisors to gather survey design feedback for content, clarity, and relevance. Meeting advisors included WSH providers with expertise in female sexual dysfunction and the effect of PD. Advisors were selected based on their recognized expertise in WSH and their membership in the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH). The group included physicians, advanced practice providers, sexual therapists, clinical psychologists and individuals involved in WSH research. The survey was presented to the advisors for discussion at an in-person meeting to allow real-time discussion of the objectives and question content. The study team then revised the survey and sent it out for additional review/pilot testing with the same WSH providers.

Results

Eight WSH providers gave survey design feedback at the initial advisors’ meeting. After 2 rounds of review/pilot-testing were complete, final revisions were made to the survey, including: refinement of question concepts, removal of irrelevant questions, simplification of questions, and rewording questions for clarity. The final survey included 17 questions (26 items; 22 multiple choice, 4 free text) assessing the practices and awareness of WSH providers regarding their patients’ male sexual partners, specifically focusing on the routine collection of data, inquiry about PD, and knowledge/awareness of the impact of PD on WSH. The survey is expected to take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The Table outlines the areas of inquiry with example questions. The survey will be disseminated among WSH providers to better understand unmet needs regarding education for various types of practitioners, including nurse practitioners, specialist and nonspecialist physicians, sex therapists, and physician assistants.

Conclusions

Our results will offer insights into the present awareness and practices of WSH providers regarding their patients’ male sexual partners and PD to help identify knowledge gaps and educational opportunities.

Disclosure

Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Endo USA Inc.

Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study.

Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: IG, SG, RH, TR, SR, and BL are investigators and consultants for Endo USA Inc. AK is an investigator and consultant for Endo USA, Inc, a speaker for Astellas and Mayne Pharma, and an advisor to BioTe. DH, GK, LB, and NT are employees of Endo USA Inc. SK is an investigator and consultant for Endo USA Inc.