Sex and Peyronie's disease

Now that we are just slightly more than a week away from Valentine’s Day here in the U.S., even though you might not feel prepared or in the mood because of your Peyronie’s disease, romance and  love are always a topic of great interest.  Just because your equipment is having a problem developing your usual high quality erection should not mean that you do not use common sense, kindness and skillful crafting of your relationship with her.  Perhaps you have realized that just because your equipment is "down" is all the more reason to use your brain and your heart. With a little effort, the stressful emotions associated with Peyronie's disease do not have to prevail.

In a romantic relationship, it is the little things that count, by far. A small but thoughtful gift, an off-hand compliment, or a moment of sensitive physical contact can vastly strengthen a relationship.

Here are the Peyronie's Disease Institute 10 steps to keeping both partners in a romantic relationship content, satisfied, and happy.

1. Show frequent, unexpected and meaningful acts of affection

Small acts of physical intimacy give your partner a warm feeling and convey the love and affection you feel. The littlest touch can be as important, and perhaps even more important, than the longest night of intense sexual intimacy.

2. Tell your partner you love her

Actions sometimes speak louder than words.  However, words often speak more clearly and precisely than actions. Take a quiet moment every now and then to verbalize your feelings for your partner.

3. Show appreciation for your partner

Let your partner know on a regular basis what it is that you appreciate and like most about her — what you admire, what makes you proud, what strength and quality you appreciate most.  Tell her you appreciate that she is patient and tolerant of you during your time of physical limitation.  Go out of your way to pay her back in loving and kind ways, in return.

4. Be there during large and small times of need

It’s obvious what you should do if your partner faces a major setback in life like the loss of a job or the death of a loved one. But it’s just as important to be supportive during life’s little challenges, too, like an argument at work, feeling bad at the beginning of the flu, or not winning a contest.

5. Share yourself

Speak up, especially about your PD.  Don’t keep your thoughts and feelings, likes and dislikes, dreams and fears, achievements and mistakes, or anything else about you to yourself. If there is something that is important to you, share it with your partner.

6. Give gifts

Take an opportunity to give small material tokens of love and appreciation. A small bottle of a new perfume, a new book by her favorite author, a special dessert, a piece of jewelry or clothing that reminds you of her — anything small or large that tells her she is on your mind.

7. Be graceful and patient with her demands and shortcomings

She might not say so, but a lot of times she knows she is wrong in an argument of testy situation, and she will appreciate that you are kind and patient with her. Recognize, appreciate and learn to love her quirks for what they are: an essential part of the person you fell in love with; the spice she brings to your life.

8. Make "alone time" a top priority

No matter how busy and disjointed both of your lives might be, commit at least an evening every week or two to be alone together.

9. Take nothing for granted

Cultivate a daily sense of gratitude – and tell her your appreciation – for her and the countless small blessings she has brought into your life.

10. Strive for equality

Follow the Golden Rule in your relationship: do unto your partner as you would have her do unto you. Strive for a fair division of household duties and responsibilities.  Do not expect or demand special consideration you are unwilling to offer in return.

Just because you have Peyronie’s disease does not mean that your relationship must come to a rocky end.  If you take care of your mate in small ways that count, you can keep the home fires burning warm and brightly.