The sensitivity difference between the glans penis and penile shaft in primary premature ejaculation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Urology
• Sensory Physiology

Background:

• The penis, comprising the glans penis and penile shaft, possesses unique histology and innervation.
• Understanding sensory signal origins is crucial for diagnosing and treating penile-related conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the glans penis or penile shaft is the primary source of penile sensory signals.
• To investigate whether penile hypersensitivity is localized or affects the entire penis.

Main Methods:

• Recorded somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) in 290 individuals with primary premature ejaculation.
• Utilized glans penis and penile shaft as sensory input areas to assess thresholds, latencies, and amplitudes.

Main Results:

• Significant differences (P < 0.0001) were observed in SSEP thresholds, latencies, and amplitudes between the glans penis and penile shaft.
• Penile hypersensitivity (shorter latency) was found in 48.6% of cases, with localized sensitivity in the glans penis (9.9%), penile shaft (54.6%), or both (35.5%).

Conclusions:

• Statistically significant differences exist in sensory perception between the glans penis and penile shaft.
• Penile hypersensitivity is not always generalized; it can be confined to specific penile zones, leading to the proposed concept of a 'penile hypersensitive zone'.