Premature ejaculation (PE) is a prevalent male sexual dysfunction that affects as many as 20-30% of men regardless of age and ethnicity.The International Society for Sexual Medicine defines premature ejaculation as a male sexual dysfunction characterised by ejaculation that always or nearly always occurs before or within about 1 minute of vaginal penetration from the first sexual experience (lifelong premature ejaculation) or a clinically significant and bothersome reduction in latency time, often to about 3 minutes or less (acquired premature ejaculation), the inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations and with negative personal consequences include distress, bother, frustration, and avoidance of sexual intimacy.
Patients with PE: Men aged 18-60 years with a diagnosis of PE according to the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) criteria.
Healthy controls: Men aged 18-60 years without a history of PE or other sexual dysfunctions.
Other sexual dysfunctions: Erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation, or other sexual disorders.
Cardiovascular disease: history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or stroke.
Neurological or psychiatric disorders: Conditions that may affect sexual function, such as depression, anxiety, or Parkinson's disease.
Medications affecting sexual function: Current use of medications that may impact sexual function, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.