Epidemiology of Premature Ejaculation and its Impact on Quality of Life.
The associated risk factors for PE varies from folate deficiency, metabolic syndrome/diabetes, neurobiological and genetic factors/genetic predisposition, neurological disorders, recreational drugs and alcohol, chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain syndrome, thyroid disorder, emotional problem/depression/stress/anxiety, history of traumatic sexual experiences/conditioning, erectile dysfunction (ED), low sexual intercourse frequency. PE has a great impact on the men’s quality of life (QoL) where it can lead to embarrassment, frustration, feeling of incompetence, depression and sexual dissatisfaction.
The management of PE varies from non-pharmacological therapy including counselling; and
pharmacological therapy. PE does not just affect the man but also his female partner. As such,
it is important that women understand the issue and provide adequate moral support to the male
partner to address the issue together.
The aetiology and pathophysiology of PE are poorly understood. Among the risk factors are genetic predisposition, obesity, depression, stress, anxiety, traumatic experiences, recreational drugs and alcohol, prostatitis, neurological causes, thyroid disorders, varicocele, erectile dysfunction, relationship problem, early sexual experience, sexual abuse.
Some studies have indicated that there is a possibility of association between neurological disorders and PE. Some of the neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular disease, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson’s disease etc. Nevertheless, there was a lack in findings on the strength of association of these neurological disorders. The effect could be from the neurophysiologic mechanisms or by endocrine, metabolic or psychological changes.
The microvascular complications such as diabetic neuropathy from diabetes may contribute to PE where the ejaculation largely depend on autonomous nervous system, its central, and peripheral neurotransmitters.
Public Health Open J. 2017; 2(2): 64-69. doi: 10.17140/PHOJ-2-123
