Premature Ejaculation Risk Higher in Men with HIV

MEN living with HIV are significantly more likely to experience premature ejaculation (PE) and depressive symptoms than HIV-negative individuals, according to findings from a multicentre case–control study. The researchers also found that, among people living with HIV (PLWH), greater depression severity was independently associated with PE. 

Sexual dysfunction and depression are both common among PLWH, yet the relationship between HIV infection, mental health, and PE has remained unclear. To investigate this, researchers assessed depressive symptoms and PE prevalence in HIV-infected men compared with healthy controls. 

Higher Depression and PE Scores in Men with HIV 

The study included 112 HIV-infected men and 110 age-matched healthy controls attending infectious diseases outpatient clinics between March and September 2025. Participants completed the validated Turkish versions of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). PE was defined as a PEDT score of 11 or higher. 

Men living with HIV had significantly higher scores on both the PEDT and BDI than healthy controls (p<0.001 for both comparisons), indicating a greater burden of both PE symptoms and depressive symptoms. 

PE was identified in 43.8% of men with HIV, compared with 20.9% of healthy controls, representing more than double the prevalence (p<0.001). 

Depression Independently Associated with PE 

Among men living with HIV, those with PE also had significantly higher depression scores than those without PE (mean BDI 16.8 versus 10.7; p=0.009). 

Importantly, multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that depressive symptom severity remained independently associated with PE after adjusting for age, erectile function, and HIV disease duration. This suggests that depression may contribute to PE beyond the effects of these other clinical factors. 

Mental and Sexual Health Should Be Assessed Together 

The findings highlight the close relationship between mental health and sexual function in men living with HIV. While the study cannot establish causality because of its observational design, the results suggest that routine assessment of depressive symptoms could help identify patients at increased risk of PE. 

The authors conclude that men living with HIV experience substantially higher rates of both PE and depression than healthy individuals, and that depression severity is independently associated with PE. They suggest that integrated approaches addressing both psychological wellbeing and sexual health may improve overall quality of life for this patient population. 

Reference 

Evlice O et al. The relationship between premature ejaculation and depressive symptoms in HIV-infected men: a multicenter case-control study. BMC Urol. 2026;DOI: 10.1186/s12894-026-02235-w. 

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