Premature ejaculation refers to the inability to delay ejaculation during sexual activity resulting in distress to the patient, his partner or the couple as a whole.
PE is broadly classified as:
1. Lifelong PE
2. Acquired PE
3. Variable PE
4. Subjective PE
In men who have lifelong PE, they have a short IELT (intravaginal ejaculatory latency time) since their first sexual experience.
IELT basically refers to the time from vaginal penetration to ejaculation.
Men with acquired PE presents with decreasing IELT (i.e. shortened time from penetration to ejaculation) and this can be caused by erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infections e.g prostatitis, cystitis, seminal vesiculitis.
Having said that, PE can also be due to stress from performance, anxiety during sex, relationship issues or even stress from work.
Variable PE just means that there are good days and bad days and is more commonly due to stress.
In men with subjective PE, it is the expectation of the patient and the perception that he should last for a longer than expected time during sex.
Patients with PE should seek medical attention as this condition can be treated with prescription medications and behavioural modifications. PE can jeopardise relationships and men should not wait if there are signs that their relationship is at risk.
After all, it is all about timing, isn't it?
