Introduction: A review of the literature reveals a lack of a consensus definition for Premature Ejaculation (PE) ever since it was first termed as ‘Rapid Ejaculation’ by Gross in 1887. This lack of clear and consensus definition results in difficulties when reviewing and comparing epidemiological data and research. There is therefore an urgent need for evidence-based diagnostic criteria and a uniform definition. Objectives: To critically audit the definitions and/or diagnostic criteria used in individual studies on PE and highlight issues that need to be addressed in the development of an universally applicable consensus definition. Method: Quality Assurance was obtained from Area Health Service, Human Research Ethics Committee, NSW, Australia. A literature review was conducted on published research articles in peer reviewed Journals accessed through the University of Sydney library, open databases and experts’ resources. Findings: The predominant theory of etiology of PE has moved a long way from ‘Psychological’ (1917 -1950) to ‘Biological’ (1950 – 1990) and lately to ‘Neurological’. Globally, discrepancy exists on the paradigm of definitions currently used by different organizations/authors. PE is mostly recognised as a heterosexual problem while ignoring or underestimating the burden among homosexual and/or self-masturbating men. Factors such as frequency of sexual intercourse, duration of foreplay, past masturbatory habits, biophysics (position of penis during ejaculation) and their influence on PE need to be further investigated. While it is postulated that PE is very common among Asian and Islamic men, not many detailed studies have been done on them. Multi-center studies [exclusively involving Asian, Islamic and Gay men] are likely to be needed for a better understanding of PE. Although many investigator-initiated hypothetico-deductive studies had been done, it may be of use to study patient-led inductive hypothesis.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded: Sydney, Australia, April 2007
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