The Frequency of Premature Ejaculation in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is identified by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits in the absence of organic etiology. Premature ejaculation is the most common male sexual disorder. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of premature ejaculation disorders in patients with IBS referred to a gastrointestinal clinic in Rafsanjan, Iran, in 2012.

Of all the men referred to the gastrointestinal clinic, those with a diagnosis of IBS(based on Rome-II criteria)were interviewed. Premature ejaculation disorder based on DSM-IV-TR criteria was documented by psychiatry interview. History of psychiatric diseases of the patients and their family were assessed by interview done by a psychiatrist. The data were analyzed by using SPSS software (version 16). Descriptive statistics, inferential tests, and Chi-square test were used for analyses.

One hundred and fifty two men with IBS were evaluated. Based on the Rome-II criteria, 89(58.6%) patients were suffering from premature ejaculation disorder. Fifty nine (38.8%) patients expressed drug addiction. Sixty eight (44.7%) had a history of psychiatric disease in the past and 84 (55.3%) patients stated they were not suffering from any psychiatric diseases. Forty six (30.3%) patients had a history of psychiatric disease in their family, and 106 (69.7%) did not have any history of psychiatric disorder. High frequency of premature ejaculation in patients with IBS with a family history of psychiatric disorder and severe stress during the past year suggested that there was a relationship between factors contributing to psychiatric disorders (neurotransmitters, environmental factors, and genetics) and premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation is more common in patients with IBS. Drug abuse, family history of psychiatric disorder, and severe emotional stress during the past year, significantly increase the frequency of premature ejaculation.