Physical Exercise is Negatively Correlated with Premature Ejaculation Symptom Severity

Abstract

Objective: To examine associations between symptoms of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction and the lifestyle factors alcohol use and physical exercise. Design and Method: An invitation to an online survey was sent out to a population-based sample of Finnish twins and siblings of twins in 2012. Of the 2559 individuals invited, 1054 responded, giving a response rate of 41%. Individuals who used SSRI-medication for any reason were excluded, leaving a final sample of 843. Premature ejaculation was measured by the validated Multiple Indicators of Premature Ejaculation questionnaire, erectile dysfunction by the International Index of Erectile Function – 5, alcohol use by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and physical exercise by the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Bivariate correlations were used to test associations between variables. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between physical exercise and premature ejaculation symptoms. Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction were significantly positively correlated. Effect sizes were moderately small. No significant correlations were found between the other variables. Conclusions: Our results indicate that physical exercise may possibly prevent or counteract premature ejaculation. Future studies could incorporate physical exercise in treatment trials.