I love when scientists study the good stuff. Infectious Disease? Trite! Global warming? Cliche! Cure for cancer? Boring! So what is a dedicated, hard working scientist supposed to study to really make a difference in the world?
Oh, I have an idea! Premature Ejaculation!
O.K., I know it's a big (if brief) problem for approximately 1/3 of all you men out there (and I think I've met most of you), but seriously? I wish I could get a grant to do something like this.
Dr. Marcel Waldinger and his colleagues at Utrecht University may have found a gene type that leads to 'quick release,' so to speak. "This contradicts the idea, which has been common for years, that the primary form of premature ejaculation is a psychological disorder," he said.
The study used 89 volunteers who had "primary premature ejaculation," meaning they are lifelong 'short but sweet' lovers, not ones who developed the disorder later on. To find out how long they lasted in bed (trust me, this is the best part), every time they had sex for a month, the men's partners were asked to record how long it took them to ejaculate with a stopwatch. I mean, wow, imagine doing that to your man (or having it done to you)! Do you just hold the thing the whole time? Set it within arm's reach on the nightstand? That's almost mean, although hilarious. Anyhow, the results were then compared with 92 men with no history of such problems.
They also tested their genes - or, more specifically, which version of the gene 5-HTTLPR they had. The 5-HTTLPR gene is thought to be responsible for the amount and activity of serotonin. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to premature ejaculation, as well as other lightning-quick reflexes and appetite levels. Three types of the gene exist: LL, SL and SS. The minute men carried the LL version of the gene, whereas the other types were split in the normal men. On average, the LL's ejaculated twice as quickly as men with SS and almost twice as quickly as men with SL. "The results of our research confirm the genetic theory and may contribute to possible gene therapy against premature ejaculation," says Waldinger.
So if you're about as long-lasting as ice cream in a furnace, you may have your genes to blame (at least if you're Dutch). So there - now you know. Another win for science.
Study Citation (sorry, couldn't get a link): P.K.C. Janssen, M.D et al. Serotonin Transporter Promoter Region (5-HTTLPR) Polymorphism is Associated with the Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time in Dutch Men with Lifelong Premature Ejaculation. Journal of Sexual Medicine, October 7, 2008.
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