Peyronie's Disease Might Turn Off Partner

"My penis has narrowed and shortened caused by Peyronie’s disease. I used to have 7-1/2 inches, now it’s 6-1/4. That’s an issue for me, as a guy, but unless a lady was familiar with my former length, she would not be aware of the change. She would just consider me short."

"But the narrowing, “hourglass” deformity really bothers me. My penis now looks small and weird. I do not wish to surprise a woman, as that would be dishonest and a “bait & switch.” Are you aware of any website where I can send in my pics and get older female feedback? I really want 50-something aged women to view my pic and enlighten me if they would be shocked and turned off. If so, I will not go out on dates as I do not want to do the “bait & switch” — that would not be fair."

Joan answers:

First, your penis is not “short.” According to a study of more than 15,000 men published in The British Journal of Urology in 2014, the average erect penis is 5.17 inches long. So yours, even with the shortening of Peyronie’s disease, is longer than average.

More important, few women care about your penis size and shape as much as your skills and desire to please them, whether it’s with your penis, your hands, your mouth, or a favorite vibrator. Only 20-25 percent of vulva owners orgasm through penetrative sex alone — they require clitoral stimulation. You can give that, whatever the appearance of your penis.

So no, women will not decide whether to date you based on a photo of your penis. In fact, most — especially in the 50+ age group you want — would find it offensive if you wanted to show them a dick pic before getting to know them.

My suggestion: hone your dating skills (my “How the Heck Do I Date at This Age” webinar would be a good start) and get yourself out there, meeting women and getting to know them. If the chemistry is there, and you’re nervous about how they’ll react, feel free to disclose your Peyronie’s disease, but don’t lead with that on or before a first date.

Peyronie’s disease, for readers who don’t know, is a condition where the erect penis has a pronounced bend and/or indentation caused by fibrous scar tissue. It can cause shortening and narrowing.

Resources:

• Peyronie's Disease, Cleveland Clinic
• Peyronie's Disease, American Urological Association