Association Between Post-Ejaculatory Refractory Time (PERT) and Premature Ejaculation (PE)

Abstract

IntroductionPatients with premature ejaculation (PE) often complain of difficulty in having second erection, which is not yet investigated using scientific methodology. AimEvaluation of the association between post-ejaculation refractory time (PERT) with PE by comparing PERT in premature ejaculators with their age-matched control subjects. MethodsAfter ethical committee approval and written informed consent from the participants were obtained, men in a monogamous stable sexual relationship and reporting PE were recruited into the study. Sexually active, matched control subjects were recruited for comparison. Exclusion criteria were erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, hypogonadism, psychiatric conditions, instrumentation of the genitourinary tract, genitourinary anomalies, and genitourinary infections. Both the premature ejaculators and their control subjects were evaluated with the PE diagnostic tool before initiation of the study. They were asked to record their IELT and PERT over 4 weeks. The statistical analysis was done to obtain descriptive statistics, namely, mean and SD, paired t-tests, and logistic regression analysis. P < .001 was considered significant. Main Outcome MeasureThere was a statistically significant association between prolonged PERT and PE in patients with PE compared with their age-matched control subjects. Results102 premature ejaculators and an equal number of matched control subjects were evaluated from January 2016–December 2017. The average PERT in premature ejaculators and control subjects was 330 ± 296.63 minutes and 105.64 ± 98.59 minutes, respectively (P < .0001). Increasing age was associated with increasing PERT. PE was more common in patients when PERT exceeded a threshold of 590 minutes. Clinical ImplicationsUntil now, the association between PE and PERT with matched-pair analysis was not reported. Our study addresses this association, which can add a new paradigm in the evaluation and management of PE. Strength & LimitationsThe association between PE and prolonged PERT using a statistically appropriate, adequately powered methodology is the strength of the study. The inability to address the causal association between prolonged PERT and PE because of the paucity of evidence at present is the limitation of the study. We believe that the results of this study could trigger further research into such an association, so the mystery of such an association can be unraveled. ConclusionsThe association between prolonged PERT and PE, as seen in our study, is a finding, that needs further research to establish a causal association. However, reporting such an association is necessary because it is contrary to the present understanding.Bhat GS, Shastry A. Association Between Post-Ejaculatory Refractory Time (PERT) and Premature Ejaculation (PE). J Sex Med 2019;16:1364–1370.