Self-Reported Premature Ejaculation (PE): Possible PE vs. Probable PE Related to Other Aspects of Male Sexual Function.

Self-Reported Premature Ejaculation (PE): Possible PE vs. Probable PE Related to Other Aspects of Male Sexual Function, Michael A. Perelman, Departments of Psychiatry, Reproductive Medicine, and Urology; Ridwan Shabsigh, Department of Urology, USA

We examined the differences between men self-reporting premature ejaculation (PE) who stated it is very much or somewhat of a problem for them (probable PE) and those who stated it is very little or not a problem for them (possible PE), and determined if there was an association between the self-reporting of PE and lower functioning in other aspects of male sexual function. A sexual health survey was administered to a community-based U.S. sample of sexually active men (N = 1,239) in stable heterosexual relationships with one partner. Participants were derived from a nationally representative Web-enabled research panel (Knowledge Networks Research Panel). Two questions, based on the DSM-IV criteria, were used to identify men who self-report PE and to categorize those men into those with and without distress. Further questions addressed other aspects of sexual function. Of 1,239 participants, 1,158 surveys were evaluable. Ejaculating before he wished was self-reported by 32%, with 16% classified as probable PE and 16% as possible PE. Overall, all men who ejaculated before they wished experienced lower satisfaction with intercourse and their sexual relationship and more problems relaxing during intercourse. Yet, men with probable PE were even more likely than those with possible PE to report low satisfaction with sexual intercourse, difficulty with arousal, and difficulty relaxing during intercourse, as well as avoidance of discussing sexual issues with their partner. Those individuals with associated distress (probable PE) experienced even more comorbid dysfunction than those without distress (possible PE).