National Sports Commentator, Dr. Jerry Punch, Together with Men’s Health Network and Endo Pharmaceuticals, Encourages Men with Peyronie’s Disease to Ask About the Curve
- New educational campaign puts a spotlight on a lesser-known men’s health condition that can affect as many as one in 10 men worldwide
- Dr. Punch encourages affected men to visit www.AskAboutTheCurve.com to learn more and to step up and face their challenge head on
PR Newswire, DUBLIN and MALVERN, Pa., March 9, 2016
Nationally-recognized and long-standing sports announcer Jerry Punch, M.D., is teaming up with Men’s Health Network and Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., a subsidiary of Endo International plc (NASDAQ: ENDP) (TSX: ENL), to launch “Ask About the Curve,” a new educational campaign designed to raise awareness of Peyronie’s disease. Peyronie’s disease is a little-known men’s health condition that can occur during midlife or later. And, while the disease is physical in nature, the impact may also be psychological and could possibly hold men back from talking about it.
Peyronie’s disease, or “PD,” is a condition that can cause curvature of the penis that could be painful during arousal and intimacy. It can affect as many as one in 10 men worldwide, but diagnosis rates remain low because men with PD may be too uncomfortable to speak up and get help. Together with Endo and Men’s Health Network, Dr. Punch is encouraging men who think they might have PD to face their challenge head on by starting the conversation with their doctor.
“As a sports commentator, I’ve witnessed thousands of men on the court, on the field and on the racetrack in their physical prime – cool, confident and thriving in the face of challenge. But, as a licensed physician, I’ve seen how this bravado can turn to embarrassment – even isolation – when that challenge becomes personal or intimate,” said Dr. Punch. “Often, men feel too awkward to talk about issues like Peyronie’s disease, even with a doctor. And while it may seem tough, it’s important that any man with PD see a doctor, and ask about the curve. Starting the conversation is the first step to getting help.”
PD is found in men of all ages but is most common in men ages 40 to 70. The condition is caused by a buildup of fibrous scar tissue that develops under the skin of the penis. And, while the exact cause of PD is unknown, it is believed to be caused by injury in the genital area – maybe even during sex. PD can be extremely difficult for the men who experience it, often resulting in feelings of low self-esteem or depression, isolation and embarrassment – as well as emotional and relationship problems with their partners. In fact, in a survey of 245 men with PD, 54 percent reported relationship problems, and 81 percent reported having emotional difficulty because of their PD.
“Men’s Health Network is proud to be working with Dr. Punch and Endo Pharmaceuticals to put a spotlight on Peyronie’s disease so that more men will be comfortable and confident enough to take action,” said Ana N. Fadich, MPH, CHES, vice president at the independent non-profit organization, Men’s Health Network. “Not all curved erections or penile bumps are caused by PD, so it’s important for men to talk to a urologist who specializes in men’s health conditions.”
Only a doctor can make an accurate PD diagnosis, but there are a handful signs to look out for, which can include a curve in the penis during erection with or without associated difficulty during sex, lumps in the penis, a shrunken or shortened penis and/or pain during sex.
“Despite the impact of PD, many men suffer through the condition without any help or support,” said Brian Lortie, President, U.S. Branded Pharmaceuticals at Endo. “Bringing forward educational programs like Ask About the Curve is part of Endo’s long-standing commitment to men’s health issues and we hope that through this initiative, more men who think they might have PD will come forward and talk to a urologist.”
For additional information about Ask About the Curve, visit www.AskAbouttheCurve.com.
About Men’s Health Network
Men’s Health Network (MHN) is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health awareness messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow them on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork or Facebook at www.facebook.com/menshealthnetwork.
About Endo International plc
Endo International plc (NASDAQ: ENDP) (TSX: ENL) is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focused on improving patients’ lives while creating shareholder value. Endo develops, manufactures, markets and distributes quality branded pharmaceutical and generic pharmaceutical products as well as over-the-counter medications though its operating companies. Endo has global headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and U.S. headquarters in Malvern, PA. Learn more at www.endo.com.
About Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. is focused on developing and delivering high-value branded pharmaceutical products that meet the unmet needs of patients. Endo Pharmaceuticals is an operating company of Endo International plc, a global specialty pharmaceutical company focused on improving patients’ lives while creating shareholder value. Learn more at www.endo.com or www.endopharma.com.
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