Chronic prostatitis in premature ejaculation: a cohort study in 153 men.

INTRODUCTION

Premature ejaculation is a common male sexual dysfunction, affecting 30-40% of sexually active men in an age-dependent manner. Chronic prostatitis has been suggested as an important organic cause of premature ejaculation.

AIM

The aim of this study was to confirm previous data reported on the incidence of chronic prostatitis in a large cohort of patients with primary and secondary premature ejaculation.

METHODS

A total of 153 consecutive heterosexual men aged 29-51 years with premature ejaculation and another 100 male healthy subjects were included in this study. Sequential microbiologic specimens were obtained according to the standardized Meares and Stamey protocol. Nonbacterial prostatitis was defined by the evidence of prostatic inflammation but negative cultures of urine and prostatic fluids in men with various genitourinary symptoms.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between patients and control subjects regarding age, education, or intercourse frequency. Prostatic inflammation was found in 64% and chronic bacterial prostatitis in 52% of the patients with premature ejaculation, respectively, showing statistical significance compared with control subjects (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Results in our study showed a high prevalence of chronic prostatitis in patients with premature ejaculation. Examination of the prostate, physically and microbiologically, should be considered during assessment of patients with premature ejaculation.