Evaluation of Risky Decision-Making and Impulsivity in Individuals with Premature Ejaculation

Objective: Different mechanisms such as psychological, neurobiological, autonomic, and genetic factors might be involved in the etiology of lifelong Premature Ejaculation (PE). Albeit cortical activity changes have been reported, the relationship between PE and impulsivity/decision-making has been minimally studied to date. The present study aimed to assess impulsivity and risky decision-making in individuals with lifelong PE for the first time. Methods: 26 lifelong PE patients were diagnosed by the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM-2014) criteria and 26 healthy volunteers were recruited. The Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, International Erectile Function Index, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Balloon Analogue Risk Task, and Monetary Choice Questionnaire-27 were administered. Results: The mean age was 37. No differences were found between groups in risky decision-making and impulsivity. Conclusions: No alterations of impulsivity and risky decision-making were found in lifelong PE patients. Impulsivity may only exist in a subset of individuals with lifelong PE or may only be evident in neural levels or specific subtypes of impulsivity.