Introduction: Premature Ejaculation (PE) is commonly reported as a ‘common and most prevalent male sexual dysfunction’. The prevalence rate is claimed to be between 4% and 30% of all sexually active men. However, there is not enough epidemiological evidence to support the above statements. The review of the articles and reports on PE revealed discrepancy with the definition and/or the diagnostic criteria used by individual researchers. The burden of PE is either underestimated or overestimated due to unavailability of a standard definition. Objectives: To analyse and compare the definitions used in individual studies on PE; to identify the key factors that needs consensus to develop a universal definition for PE. Method: A critical review of all available literature on PE was done after obtaining Quality Assurance from the Human Research Ethics Committee, NSW Australia. Observation: PE is commonly addressed as a male sexual ‘dysfunction’. The other terms often used were ‘disorder’ and ‘problem’. The global/national estimates on PE, in the absence of a standard definition appear to be of less validity. The classification of PE differed among researchers. Some used ‘primary and secondary’ while others used ‘lifelong and acquired’. There are no data available in the literature on feelings of control or satisfaction in relation to ejaculatory latency time in the general male population which restricts the use of Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency Time as a useful diagnostic tool. Distress caused by PE is one other important issue which is supported by few studies and rebuked by others. Conclusion: The consensus on the above mentioned factors is of paramount importance to obtain an objective and universal definition for PE. Having a clear and practical definition may be of immense use for future researches and estimating the actual burden of PE.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded: Sydney, Australia, April 2007
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