Premature ejaculation: definition, assessment and clinical management

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common of the male sexual dysfunctions. The prevalence of PE is estimated to be 22.7% of sexually active men, although this may be an underestimation. There are four types of PE, lifelong, acquired, ED-like PE and normal variability PE. Treatment options include behavioural therapies, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) daily or ‘as required’, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I's) (Sildenafil, Tadalafil or Vardenafil), and local anaesthetics/desensitising creams/sprays. The selection of treatment depends on accurate diagnosis of the type of PE and patient preference.