Questions & Answers

Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a complex medical condition and the most common sexual dysfunction in male < 60 years. Although – according to the DSM-IV definition – 1 in 5 men report PE,  it’s nevertheless one of the most under-diagnosed male disorders. It may be a chronic condition often present from the first sexual experience (Lifelong PE), or could appear later as a result of another medical condition (Acquired PE).

The International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) has defined Lifelong PE as “A male sexual dysfunction characterised by:

  • ejaculation which always or nearly always occurs before or within about 1 minute of vaginal penetration; and:
  • the inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations; and:
  • the suffering of negative personal consequences, such as distress, difficulty, frustration, and/or the avoidance of sexual intimacy”.

References:

  1. Althof SE et al. J Sex Med. 2010;7(9):2947-2969.
  2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 4th edition. Text revision: DSMIV-TR. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2000.
  3. Broderick GA. J Sex Med 2006;3(4):295-302.
  4. EAU Guidelines on ED and PE 2012.
  5. McMahon CG et al. J Sex Med 2008;5:1590–1606.
  6. Porst H et al. Eur Urol 2007;51(3):816-824.

See more about what PE means.