Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in lifelong premature ejaculation: Analysis of heart rate variability

Abstract

Objective: To identify autonomic nervous dysfunction in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation. Methods: The study participants were 25 men with lifelong premature ejaculation and 25 healthy controls. The parameters of 24-hour heart rate variability that are influenced by the autonomic nervous system were compared between the men with lifelong premature ejaculation and the healthy controls. Results: The laboratory results of all patients were within normal limits, and no significant differences were found between the patients and the controls in age, body weight, and body mass index. A low-frequency signal that is influenced by the sympathetic system was increased in the patients (P =.026). Furthermore, a high-frequency signal that is influenced by the parasympathetic system was decreased in the patients (P =.011). Finally, the low frequency-to-high frequency ratio, an indicator of the balance between the two components of the autonomic nervous system, was increased in the patients (P =.002). Conclusion: To our knowledge, no study has investigated the influence of the autonomic nervous system on 24-hour heart rate variability in premature ejaculation. In the present study, sympathetic activity was increased in men with lifelong premature ejaculation; this overactivity might lead to lifelong premature ejaculation. Additional studies are required to reveal the possible alteration of the autonomic nervous system in premature ejaculation. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.