Premature ejaculation: definition, assessment and clinical management

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common of the male sexual dysfunctions. The prevalence of PE is estimated to be 22.7% of sexually active men, although this may be an underestimation. There are four types of PE, lifelong, acquired, ED‐like PE and normal variability PE. Treatment options include behavioural therapies, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) daily or ‘as required’, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I's) (Sildenafil, Tadalafil or Vardenafil), and local anaesthetics/desensitising creams/sprays. The selection of treatment depends on accurate diagnosis of the type of PE and patient preference.