[Premature ejaculation]

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common masculine sexual disorder with a potentially deleterious effect on the patient's morale and the relationship with the partner. It is underdiagnosed, or self-diagnosed, and as patients hesitate to confide in their doctor, and doctors do not enquire about it, it is rarely treated. Effective medication does exist, in particular serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Medical literature was reviewed and combined with expert opinion of the authors.

The distinction is rarely made between lifelong, primary and acquired PE but this distinction determines the choice and efficacy of the therapeutic strategy. Originally seen from a psychoanalytical viewpoint, it was later seen from a behavioral angle. For primary PE, according to Kaplan and contemporary sexology, a psycho-sexological concept has been evoked: sinful stain and symbolic frustration of the woman following an unresolved conflict, revived by a conflict with the partner. For primary PE, a pathophysiological origin with the notion of genetic susceptibility with possible variation of the central serotoninergic neurotransmission has been suggested. We give here the different etiological hypotheses, the clinical types and the different therapeutic strategies for management of PE (a more precise etio-pathological diagnosis). Some key points are highlighted: factors related to the partner are underestimated, her 'use' as therapy is underexploited, an integrated or combined approach which is potentially more efficacious can go beyond the prolongation of the ejaculation time lapse to optimize the patient's relationship and equilibrium. Maintaining the results over time is however problematic.

When rapid ejaculation causes a distress, it is a sexual dysfunction deserving medical and/or psycho-sexological management currently evidence-based.