New definition for premature ejaculation

SAN FRANCISCO, June 23 (UPI) -- An International Society for Sexual Medicine panel of world experts presented a new definition of premature ejaculation at a meeting in Florida.

Dr. Ira Sharlip, who presented the definition at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association in Orlando, Fla., said each of the 21 members of the panel was selected through a peer review process for their expertise and were told to create a new definition of premature ejaculation based on available clinical evidence, UroToday.com reported.

The new definition is: "Premature ejaculation is a male dysfunction characterized by ejaculation which always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about one minute of vaginal penetration; and, inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations; and, negative personal consequences, such as distress, bother, frustration and or the avoidance of sexual intimacy."

Premature ejaculation affects 20 percent to 30 percent of men and although it is less commonly reported than erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation may coexist in a one-third of men complaining of erectile dysfunction. Premature ejaculation has both biologic and psychologic factors but despite its prevalence there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for treatment.

Multiple treatments have been described including behavioral and sexual exercises and medical therapies.