Management of male premature ejaculation: from past to future

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common disease of the male reproductive system, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and their partners. Currently, PE is regarded as a biopsychosocial disease with complex etiologies and diverse treatment methods. Oral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line treatment for PE, with advantages such as high safety, rapid onset of action, and non-invasiveness. However, topical anesthetics, behavioral and psychological therapies, device-assisted treatments, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can also serve as alternative therapies for patients intolerant to SSRIs. With the rapid development of technology, some new methods-such as low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)-can even improve PE through mechanisms like regulating nerve conduction and improving local microcirculation. These are all important directions for the future treatment of male PE. In this mini-review, we will elaborate on these therapeutic approaches.