Do Ejaculation Latency and Other Sexual Measures Differ Between Men With Lifelong and Acquired Premature Ejaculation?

Area of Science:

• Sexual Health
• Urology
• Psychology

Background:

• Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual dysfunction.
• PE is often categorized into lifelong and acquired subtypes.
• Existing diagnostic criteria sometimes suggest different parameters for these subtypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if lifelong and acquired PE subtypes differ in ejaculation latency (EL).
• To compare sexual, relationship, and behavioral parameters between PE subtypes.
• To inform diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation.

Main Methods:

• A multinational online survey of 2679 men was conducted.
• 540 men met criteria for probable or definite PE using the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool.
• Lifelong and acquired PE subtypes were compared on EL and other sexual health measures.

Main Results:

• Approximately 73% of men with PE reported the lifelong subtype.
• No significant differences in EL were found between lifelong and acquired PE subtypes.
• Minor differences in age and erectile functioning were observed in the probable PE group, but not the definite PE group.

Conclusions:

• The study does not support distinct EL criteria for acquired versus lifelong PE.
• Observed differences in clinical samples may be influenced by factors leading men to seek medical help.
• Current findings suggest a unified approach to PE diagnosis regarding ejaculation latency.