Elevated free testosterone levels and reduced very low-density lipoprotein levels in men with lifelong premature ejaculation: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate sex hormone and blood lipid levels in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) in China. METHODS: Sex hormone and blood lipid levels were measured in 156 patients with LPE and 76 healthy controls. The Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) and Chinese Index of Sexual Function for Premature Ejaculation-5 Questionnaires (CIPE-5) were applied to diagnose and grade LPE. RESULTS: PEDT and CIPE-5 scores were significantly altered in the LPE group compared with the control group. Free testosterone levels were significantly higher in the LPE group than in the control group. Free testosterone levels were also significantly higher in the mild, moderate, and severe LPE subgroups than in the control group. Total testosterone and prolactin levels tended to be lower in the control group than in the LPE group. Very low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower in the LPE group and LPE subgroups than in the control group. Triglyceride levels were highest in controls and decreased with progression of LPE. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LPE have higher free testosterone levels and lower very low-density lipoprotein levels than controls. These findings indicate that these factors might be indices for LPE. However, the reasons for these phenomena need to be further investigated.