Gene mapping of serotoninergic system polymorphisms provides insight on pathology and treatment of men with lifelong premature ejaculation

We appreciate and thank Drs Saitz and Serefoglu for their positive and sympathetic words on our article.1 Indeed, our genetic studies have shown that 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism, 5‐HT1A receptor gene polymorphism and 5‐HT2C receptor gene polymorphism are associated with the duration of the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time in men with lifelong premature ejaculation. In line with the remarks,1 we hope that our stopwatch method will be used by other investigators to investigate the role of serotonergic gene polymorphisms on the duration of the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time. But lifelong premature ejaculation is not only characterized by persistent short intravaginal ejaculatory latency times, inability to delay ejaculation and negative personal consequences. Recently, lifelong premature ejaculation is characterized by an acute hypertonic state with facilitated ejaculation (ejaculatio praecox), together with either facilitated erections (erectio praecox) and/or facilitated penile detumescence (detumescentia praecox).2 Future research is required to answer the question whether this combination of symptoms is associated with polymorphisms of various serotonergic gene and other neurotransmitter gene systems.