Premature ejaculation appears to be strongly linked to genetic factors, and is not just psychological, according to a new study by researchers in Finland. For the study, the research team interviewed more than three thousand men - all pairs of male twins and their older or younger brothers - about the first time they had sex. Many participants reported that they had suffered from erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation at their first sexual encounter.
These common problems are often attributed to external factors, such as intoxication or nervousness due to peer pressure. And while this new research confirms that such factors do cause erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation appears to be strongly linked to genetic factors, and is not just psychological.
In previous research, scientists in The Netherlands linked premature ejaculation to a gene for serotonin regulation. The new findings from Finland independently show a genetic link to premature ejaculation in a much larger group, and rule out environmental factors.
Researcher David Goldmeier notes that the increasing evidence for a genetic cause of premature ejaculation opens the way for the development of new drug treatments - something that many men might benefit from. However, stress the researchers, drug therapy is not the only solution: psychotherapy will continue to be a valuable and useful form of treatment for sexual dysfunctions - even those with a genetic cause.
Related:
Premature Ejaculation Finally Gets Defined
Premature Ejaculation Affects Many
Is Premature Ejaculation All In The Mind?
Source: Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy
