Identification and diagnosis of premature ejaculation

In sexual health surveys, premature ejaculation (PE) is frequently the most common condition reported by men. Men with symptoms of PE often report a significant impact of the condition on their lives, experiencing personal distress and interpersonal difficulty related to their condition. Unfortunately, PE is highly ignored by the patients and the healthcare community. Most of the men do not seek medical treatment for their PE. Survey data indicate that men are reluctant to discuss sexual issues with physicians and that the physicians generally do not initiate discussions of such issues. The aim of this article was to discuss the prevalence of this condition and the impact that it has on the patient as well as on the partner. We will address the characteristics of PE, discuss interview techniques to identify the condition, and outline ways to differentiate PE from erectile dysfunction. It is our conclusion that the recognition and diagnosis of sexual dysfunctions may subsequently lead to treatment opportunities, which, in turn, may improve the quality of life for patients with such disorders.