Quick Facts

• HBO’s DTF St. Louis features a main character with Peyronie’s disease, a condition causing curved and painful erections
• The condition affects an estimated 1 in 10 men but remains widely underreported due to stigma
• Only 12% of men with the condition see improvement without treatment, while 48% worsen over 18 months

HBO’s new series DTF St. Louis puts a spotlight on Peyronie’s disease through the character Floyd, played by David Harbour. The show introduces the condition in its opening scene when Floyd tells his new friend about his “curve.”

Peyronie’s disease occurs when scar tissue forms under the skin of the penis. The scar tissue builds up in the tunica albuginea, the elastic membrane that keeps the penis hard during erection. This prevents normal expansion and creates curved, painful erections.

Men with Peyronie’s disease have curvatures of 90 degrees or more. Most erections naturally curve between 10 to 20 degrees without causing problems.

The condition affects an estimated 1 in 10 men nationwide. Research shows prevalence increases with age: 1.5% between ages 30-39, rising to 6.5% over age 70. However, exact numbers remain unclear because the condition is widely underreported.

Stigma creates significant barriers to treatment. Of participants who sought help for penile symptoms, 73% initially saw a primary care physician. Yet 74% received no treatment from their first doctor, and 92% were not diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease.

The largest prospective study of 246 untreated men found only 12% experienced improvement in curvature. Meanwhile, 40% remained stable and 48% worsened over 18 months. A separate review of 307 men found spontaneous resolution occurred in just 3.2% of patients.

Treatment typically involves injections of Xiaflex, which breaks down excess plaque over several months. More severe cases may require penile traction therapy or surgery to correct the curvature.

The disease currently has no cure. Early treatment can help create a close-to-straight penis while maintaining the ability to have intercourse.

DTF St. Louis has earned strong critical reception with an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series stars Jason Bateman, Linda Cardellini, and David Harbour as neighbors in a twisted love triangle.

A St. Louis urologist appeared on the show to explain Peyronie’s disease and address the stigma surrounding it. This marks a significant cultural moment where mainstream entertainment tackles a previously taboo medical condition.

The show’s approach balances comedy with serious treatment of its subjects’ experiences. Critics note that while the delivery is comedic, the series takes its characters’ desires and vulnerabilities seriously.

Read more: A Penis Curve? DTF St. Louis Puts Peyronie’s Disease Front and Center.