Clinical characteristics and penile afferent neuronal function in patients with primary delayed ejaculation

Abstract

SUMMARYPrimary delayed ejaculation (DE) is a relatively uncommon condition and has not been studied broadly. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and penile afferent neuronal function using somatosensory evoked potentials in patients with primary DE. Twenty-four patients with primary DE and 24 age-matched normally potent men were enrolled in this study. Results indicated that patients with primary DE had remarkably higher frequency of masturbatory activity (especially, some with idiosyncratic styles), lower night emissions, longer intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), higher anxiety and depression states (p = 0.010, p = 0.017, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). In addition, the mean penile shaft sensory threshold values in the patients were considerably higher than those in the healthy men (p < 0.001). Mean latencies of dorsal nerve somatosensory evoked potential DNSEP were 4.32 ms longer in the DE group than those in the control group (p < 0.001). However, the latencies of glans penis somatosensory evoked potential (GPSEP) between the two group showed no significant difference (p = 0.985). At the same time, in comparison with the control group, the amplitudes of DNSEP were considerably lower in the DE group (p = 0.016), but not in the amplitudes of GPSEP (p = 0.934). This study indicates that the patients with primary DE appear to have penile shaft rather than glans hyposensitivity and hypoexcitability, and adaptation to a certain masturbatory technique (higher and idiosyncratic) may be related to the causes of primary DE, which is also associated with lower night emissions, longer IELT, higher anxiety and depression states.

The impact of ejaculatory dysfunction upon the sufferer and his partner

“…As a matter of fact, some studies have indicated a higher degree of anxiety in these patients (54,55). It has been suggested that the evaluative aspect of sex with a partner often creates “sexual performance anxiety” for the man, a factor that may contribute to DE.…”

Reduced segregation and integration of structural brain network associated with sympathetic and dorsal penile nerve activity in anejaculation patients: a graph‐based connectome study

“…In addition, an electromyograph and evoked potential equipment (Alpine BioMed ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark) was used to measure the penile shaft sensory threshold, the amplitudes and latencies of somatosensory evoked potentials of glans penis (GPSEP), somatosensory evoked potentials of dorsal nerve (DNSEP), and the sympathetic skin response located in the penis (PSSR). The detailed steps of nerve electrophysiological examination were as previously described (Xia et al, 2013).…”

Delayed orgasm and anorgasmia

“…In a study by Xia et al, they compared 24 patients with primary DO and 24 age-matched controls who had no sexual dysfunction complaints (28). They showed that patients with primary DO had significantly longer IELT (20 vs 5.5 minutes), higher frequency of masturbation, lower nocturnal emissions, and higher rates of anxiety and depression.…”