Premature Ejaculation

Review literature: (Althof, 2006) (Montague et al, 2004).

Definition of Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is one of the most common sexual complaints. It is characterized by an unwanted early ejaculation before or after minimal sexual stimulation, this may interfere with sexual or emotional well-being in patient or partner and may possibly disturbe the (sexual) relationship. There are many different definitions of premature ejaculation. The most frequently cited definitions refer to the following components of the disease:

Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT): the average time from the start of vaginal penetration until ejaculation is less than 1–2 minutes.
Lack of control: the premature ejaculation is unintentionally.
Distress: premature ejaculation interferes with the sexual or emotional well-being.
Exclusion criteria: premature ejaculation should not be caused by sexual abstinence, new partners, new sexual situations, alcohol, drugs or medication.

Epidemiology of Premature Ejaculation

The prevalence rate of premature ejaculation in sexually active men is around 20%, it varies between studies and due to different definitions of premature ejaculation between 5–50%. Premature ejaculation is equally prevalent in all age groups.

Etiology (Causes) of Premature Ejaculation

Psychogenic causes:

Anxiety, poor communication between partners, lack of ejaculation techniques or psychodynamic causes.

Physical causes:

Penile hypersensitivity, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor hyper- or hyposensitivity (depending on the receptor subtype), erectile dysfunction.

Signs and Symptoms

The clinical course of the disease is variable. Primary premature ejaculation is usually a lifelong disease and is caused by physical causes (see above). Secondary premature ejaculation is the acquired form, psychogenic causes are more prevalent.

Diagnstik work-up of Premature Ejaculation

History:

In addition to a detailed sexual history (vaginal latency time, partners, techniques, ...), further questions aime to exclude erectile dysfunction or to assess other sexual complaints.

Treatment of Premature Ejaculation

Behavioral Therapy

The benefits of behavioral therapy are the lack of side effects, it improves the communication of sexual partners and may result next to the treatment of premature ejaculation in a more satisfying partnership. Disadvantages are the delayed and inconstant effect of behavioral therapy. In addition, it requires a high human and financial burden to patients (or society), and the cooperation of the sexual partner is mandatory.

Stop-Squeeze Method [Masters and Johnson, 1970]:

The sexual arousal is reduced just before ejaculation by compression of the glans penis, until the sexual arousal decreases. Thereafter, the sexual stimulation is continued.

Stop-Pause Method [Kaplan 1983]:

Shortly before ejaculation, the sexual stimulation is paused, until the decreased sexual arousal allows further stimulation without ejaculation.

Local treatment of premature ejaculation:

Desensitivation of the glans penis is reached by wearing multiple condoms and/or the use of ointments with local anesthetics (such as lidocaine).

Pharmacological Treatment of Premature Ejaculation

Pharmacological therapy of premature ejaculation is possible with the use serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. The problem are the side effects of the antidepressants and the lack of approval for the indication premature ejaculation. Since 2009, dapoxetine (a short-acting SSRI) received approval for the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Dapoxetine:

Dapoxetine is a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is used for a on-demand therapy. A 30 mg dose is taken 1–3 hours before planned sexual activity. Dapoxetine should be taken only once a day. In the case of inefficiency without side effects, the dose may be increased to 60 mg. Please see section dapoxetine for pharmacology, side effects and contraindications.

Paroxetine:

Paroxetine is a long-acting SSRI. Dosage 20–40 mg daily. Onset of action after 1–2 weeks.

Fluoxetine:

Fluoxetine is a long-acting SSRI. Dosage 20–40 mg daily. Onset of action after 1–2 weeks.

Clomipramine:

Tricyclic antidepressant, which can be used as on-demand treatment. Dosage 10–50 mg five hours before sexual intercourse.

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors:

PDE 5-inhibitors are indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, which may also be the cause for the premature ejaculation. PDE 5-inhibitors are also combined with SSRIs (off-label use).

Erectile dysfunction

Index

Phimosis

Index: 1–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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References

S. E. Althof.: Prevalence, characteristics and implications of premature ejaculation/rapid ejaculation.
J Urol, 175 (3 Pt 1): 842–848, Mar 2006.
D. K. Montague, J. Jarow, G. A. Broderick, R. R. Dmochowski, J. P. W. Heaton, T. F. Lue, A. Nehra, I. D. Sharlip, und A. U. A. E. D. G. U. Panel.: Aua guideline on the pharmacologic management of premature ejaculation.
J Urol, 172 (1): 290–294, Jul 2004.

Deutsche Version: Vorzeitige Ejakulation

Last update

Dr. med. Dirk Manski
man...@urologielehrbuch.de