The value of 5-HT, leptin, and NE in the classification of premature ejaculation.

BACKGROUND

While premature ejaculation (PE) can be divided into lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE, natural variable PE (NPE), and subjective PE (SPE), there is no objective method to classify PE.

AIM: To determine the value of serum serotonin (5-HT), leptin, and norepinephrine (NE) levels in the classification of PE.

METHODS

From July 2023 to July 2024, we recruited 150 participants and divided them into 4 groups: LPE (43 cases), NPE (32 cases), SPE (35 cases), and non-PE (40 cases) groups. All participants' baseline data, premature ejaculation diagnostic tool score, and intravaginal ejaculation latency time were investigated. In addition, all participants' serum 5-HT, leptin, and NE levels were measured.

OUTCOME: Serum 5-HT, NE, and leptin levels were compared among all groups.

RESULTS

Serum 5-HT levels were lower and NE and leptin levels were higher in the LPE group compared to the SPE, NPE, and non-PE groups (P < .05). However, serum 5-HT, leptin, and NE levels were not significantly different among the non-PE, NPE, and SPE groups (P < .05). In addition, serum 5-HT <95.0 ng/mL, NE >543.0 ng/L, and leptin >19.8 ng/mL may be predictive indicators of LPE.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on serum 5-HT, NE, and leptin levels, LPE can be distinguished from SPE and NPE, which provides an objective basis for the treatment of PE.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: There is no effective method to classify PE. The main limitation of this study is the limited sample size.

CONCLUSION

The serum 5-HT, leptin, and NE levels in PE patients may contribute to the classification of PE.