Glans penis volume is associated with lifelong premature ejaculation

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Sexual Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most prevalent male sexual dysfunction, yet its underlying causes remain unclear.
• Understanding the anatomical and biomechanical factors associated with PE is crucial for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between glans penis volume and tissue stiffness, measured by penile ultrasonography and shear wave elastography (SWE), and the occurrence of PE.
• To differentiate between lifelong PE (LLPE) and acquired PE (AqPE) based on these parameters.

Main Methods:

• 140 men (70 with PE, 70 controls) aged 18-65 with normal erectile function were enrolled.
• Glans penis volume was assessed using ultrasonography, and tissue stiffness of the penis, frenulum, and mucosal cuff was measured using SWE.
• PE patients were categorized into LLPE and AqPE subgroups for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• Median glans penis volume was significantly greater in the LLPE group compared to AqPE and control groups (P=.03).
• A glans penis volume cutoff of 12.65 mm³ was identified as a predictor for LLPE, with a 3.326-fold increased risk (P=.014).
• No significant differences in tissue stiffness were found between PE groups and controls.

Conclusions:

• Elevated glans penis volume may serve as a predictive marker for the development of lifelong PE.
• Penile tissue stiffness, as measured by SWE, is not associated with PE in this cohort.
• This study highlights the potential role of glans penis size in the pathophysiology of LLPE.