Panel develops definition of premature ejaculation

The International Society for Sexual Medicine has developed an evidence-based definition of premature ejaculation that its authors say will aid future diagnosis, treatment, and research.

The definition is: “a male sexual dysfunction characterized by ejaculation that always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about 1 minute of vaginal penetration; the inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations; and negative personal consequences, such as distress, bother, frustration, and/or the avoidance of sexual intimacy.”

The definition was published in the Journal of Urology (2008; 179:340, abstract 988) and presented at a special press conference at the AUA annual meeting in Orlando, FL. Online versions also appear on the web sites of BJU International and The Journal of Sexual Medicine.

“For something that has such a profound effect on men young and old, there needs to be a definitive measure to diagnose premature ejaculation,” said Ira D. Sharlip, MD, the study’s main author. “The hope is that more people with these symptoms will understand this is an actual health condition and seek treatment. They no longer need to suffer in silence.”

The panel of experts agreed that the constructs necessary to define premature ejaculation are time to ejaculation, inability to delay ejaculation, and negative consequences from premature ejaculation. The definition could also apply to men with premature ejaculation who engage in sexual activities other than vaginal intercourse, although the definition does not apply to acquired premature ejaculation.