Defining premature ejaculation for experimental and clinical investigations

Researchers investigating premature ejaculation (PE) have employed widely d iverse definitions of it, thereby limiting progress in the field. This stud y summarizes available research on PE, notes patterns that emerge from thes e studies, compares patterns across several types of studies, and suggests a common model for defining PE groups to guide future research. We surveyed two bibliographic databases, identifying 45 studies employing a definition or description of a PE group. From these, we extracted a range of informat ion, including descriptions of the participants, recruitment procedures, if PE subtypes were identified operational criteria for PE classification, re lationship and partner information, and additional inclusion/exclusion crit eria. Over 50% of studies reported no criteria, or relied on simple self-id entification by participants to establish the PE group. Quantifiable behavi oral criteria were used in 49% of the studies, with ejaculation, latency re ported most frequently. This measure was also used as a criterion more freq uently in studies focusing on assessment of sexual response. whereas the nu mber of penile thrusts was used more frequently in studies prior to 1989. P artner information was often included bur seldom used as parr of the assess ment procedure. Progress on research and treatment of PE will continue to b e limited by the absence of commonly accepted criteria for PE group members hip and by a lack of identification of relevant PE subtypes and etiologies. This pa per suggests a flowchart, based on data and a rational analysis of 40 years of research, for characterizing PE in ways that could assist the development of the field.