Is premature ejaculation an impulse control disorder?
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Updated: May 22, 2026

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats
Published on: March 17, 2019
1Department of Psychiatry, Ipekyolu Public Hospital, Van 65200, Turkey. drosmanozdemir@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Premature ejaculation (PE) is defined as persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation that occurs before the participant wishes to ejaculate and is associated with marked distress or interpersonal difficulty. Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are grouped as a heterogeneous cluster of disorders linked by a "failure to resist" impulses to engage in harmful, disturbing or distressing behaviours. I hypothesise that premature ejaculation is an impulse control disorder. ICDs share features with PE aspects of impaired control, rapid responses to stimuli and hypersensitivity. These disorders often occur with subjective and social distress for patients. In addition to these features, the neurotransmitter systems have been similarly implicated in ICDs and PE. The same treatment options further support a relationship between ICDs and PE. The behaviours likely exist on a spectrum.
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