Relation of serum vitamin B12 level to premature ejaculation

Abstract

Premature ejaculation (PE) is defined as short ejaculatory latency and lack of control upon ejaculation. Vitamin B12 is an essential and vitally important in DNA synthesis, nervous system functions and regulation of numerous other B12-dependent metabolic processes. vitamin B12 plays integral roles in the metabolism of NO, homo cysteine and 5-HT. The aim of our study was to investigate whether a relationship exists between serum vitamin B12 levels and presence of PE. It was a cross-section, case-control study included 60 subjects divided into 2 groups. Patients group included 30 PE patients, and control group included 30 healthy matched subjects. The participants completed questionnaires concerning sexual health status including Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Serum vitamin B12 was analyzed using ELISA technique. The mean IELT values in the PE group were significantly lower than in the control group (p < .0001). PE patients reported significantly lower vitamin B12 levels compared with the controls (p < .001). Patients with PE had lower vitamin B12 levels compared with normal men with a negative significant correlation between serum vitamin B12 level and PEDT score.