Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction prevalence and attitudes in the Asia-Pacific region

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of PE in the Asia-Pacific region has not been comprehensively studied.

The aim of this study is to evaluate PE prevalence in nine Asia-Pacific countries and the impact of PE on sufferers.

A random sample of heterosexual males aged 18-65 years in a stable sexual relationship currently or in the past 2 years completed a 48-question survey by computer-assisted interviewing, online, or in-person; the survey and recruitment methodologies varied by location. The survey included demographic questions, the five-question Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), the five-question Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), and the 10-question Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE). Separately, men self-reported having PE (lifelong or acquired) or erectile dysfunction (ED).

The PEDT was used to diagnose PE or probable PE; the SHIM was used to diagnose ED; and the IPE was used to assess respondent's attitudes toward PE.

Of the 4,997 men who completed the survey, the prevalences of PEDT-diagnosed PE, PEDT-diagnosed probable PE, and self-reported PE were 16%, 15%, and 13%, respectively. Less than half of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE (N = 816) or probable PE (N = 738) self-reported the condition (40% and 19%, respectively), and 6% of men with a PEDT diagnosis of no PE self-reported PE. In contrast, more respondents self-reported ED (8%) than had SHIM-diagnosed moderate or severe ED (5%). IPE responses indicated that 45%, 46%, and 23% of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE were somewhat or very dissatisfied with the length of intercourse before ejaculation, their control over ejaculation, and with sexual intercourse, respectively.

In this study, PE was more prevalent than ED in the Asia-Pacific countries surveyed, but only 40% of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE self-reported PE.