Physical Therapy Intervention for Peyronie Disease as a Missing Link for Female Dyspareunia: A Case Report

Abstract

Dyspareunia is a common female sexual complaint, with an estimated prevalence both worldwide and in the United States of 8% to 21%. 1 Women who experience dyspareunia complain of pain with both initial and deep penetrative intercourse. They can also experience pain with arousal, orgasm, pelvic examinations, and tampon usage. Physical therapy ABSTRACT Introduction/Background: This case report details the care of a male patient with Peyronie disease to address the female partner’s recalcitrant dyspareunia, which has not previously been reported in medical literature. Case Description: The male partner was symptom free aside from a slight tightness that he described as a tugging sensation when erect, but the female partner was experiencing varying degrees of dyspareunia since the start of their sexual relationship. Clinical fi ndings included soft tissue restrictions in the abdomen and penis as well as limitations in hip mobility bilaterally. He was seen 14 times over 16 weeks. Treatment approach included soft tissue mobilization, hip joint mobilization, ultrasound, hip stretching, and penile traction stretching. Outcomes: The patient and his partner reported signifi cant improvement in penile mobility, disappearance of the penile curve, and pain-free sexual encounters. Discussion: This article represents a case in which treatment of the male partner was instrumental in fully addressing the female partner’s dyspareunia, which may represent a point of consideration for patients with recalcitrant dyspareunia whose partners also have Peyronie disease. Informed Consent: Obtained from the patient and the patient’s partner.