Frequency of etiological factors among patients with acquired premature ejaculation: prospective, observational, single-center study

Abstract

Although premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction, its pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. Several medical problems such as erectile dysfunction, depression, anxiety, hormonal disorders and chronic prostatitis may play a role in the etiology of acquired PE. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of these etiologic factors among patients with acquired PE. Between May and July 2016, 53 men with acquired PE were included in the study. Self-estimated intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) of these patients was recorded along with their medical history and physical examination findings. Moreover, 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), premature ejaculation profile (PEP), anxiety and depression scales (STAI-1, STAI-2, and BECK), and chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI) were administered. Fasting plasma glucose, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, total and free testosterone, total prostate specific antigen, thyroid and thyroid stimulating hormone levels were measured. Urine analysis and 2 cup tests were also studied. Mean age of the patients was 42.41 ± 11.14 (22-60). Mean duration of the PE complaint was 34.18 ± 36.76 (3-144) months. Mean IELT time of the patients was 38.28 ± 30.79 (3-180) s. Of the patients; 69.81%, 62.26%, 56.60%, 45.28%, 30.19%, 24.53%, 16.98%, 15.09%, and 7.55% had depression, chronic prostatitis, erectile dysfunction, anxiety, diabetes mellitus, abnormal FSH or LH, hypoprolactinemia, hyperthyroidism, and high testosterone levels, respectively. The results of our study revealed that anxiety disorders, depression, erectile dysfunction, and chronic prostatitis are common among patients with acquired PE and may play role in the etiology of this problem. There is a need for further researches related to the exact pathophysiology of acquired PE with larger number of patients.