Session: MP45: Sexual Function/Dysfunction: Evaluation I
MP45-06: The clinical profile of men with premature ejaculation at presentation has changed over the last fifteen years: analysis from a longitudinal study
IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda - Maggiore Policlinico Hospital
Introduction: Patient’s characteristics at first medical evaluation for a specific sexual dysfunction (SD) are correlated to the public awareness towards the specific disease and the availability of novel treatments. We aimed to assess the clinical characteristics of patients presenting for premature ejaculation (PE) as their primary medical complaint over a 15-year time frame. Methods: Data from 257 sexually active, heterosexual men seeking first medical help for primary PE at a single sexual medicine academic clinic between 2008 and 2022 were analysed. Clinical data and serum hormones were collected. At baseline all patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Beck Inventory for Depression (BDI), and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT). Relationship status was categorized as: single vs. stable sexual relationship. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were used to describe the whole cohort. Results: Median (IQR) age at presentation was 32 years. Of all, 182 patients reported some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED) according to IIEF-EF scores. Median baseline PEDT and BDI score were 14 and 7, respectively. Median total testosterone and TSH values were 5.2 ng/ml and 1.6 mUI/L, respectively. Across the 15-year time frame, patient’s age at presentation significantly decreased over time (p < 0.001). Furthermore, depressive symptoms at BDI (p < 0.001) and PE severity as scored with the PEDT (p < 0.001) linearly decreased overtime. When segregating the whole cohort into 5-year groups, age at presentation decreased from 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 (p=0.04) and further decreased between 2018-2022 (p=0.01). Similarly, baseline BDI scores decreased from 2008-2012 to 2018-2022 (all p<0.001). PE severity at first assessment was stable between 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 but decreased thereafter. Patients in a stable couple relationship more frequently asked for medical attention for PE between 2018-2022 compared to 2013-2017 and 2008-2012. Conclusions: Findings from this study showed that PE patients characteristic at first presentation has changed throughout the last 15 years. Of note, age, PE severity and depressive symptoms showed a significant decline overtime. Men in a stable sexual relationship were more likely to seek medical attention for PE in recent years. These results probably reflect the increased public awareness of PE; therefore, patients request PE consultation at younger age, with initial symptoms and with fewer psychological bother related to this condition. SOURCE OF Funding: None
