Introduction: This study evaluated the prevalence of complaints of premature ejaculation (PE) among a cross-sectional sample of Canadian males and their partners.
Aim: It sought to quantify measures of behavior and attitudes as they relate to PE. It evaluated the level of patient knowledge, physician engagement, and patient satisfaction with treatment options for PE, a common sexual complaint. It also explored the patient and partner-reported impacts on quality of life and well-being.
Main outcome measure: The main outcome measure for the study was the statistical analysis of data on different facets of PE and associated factors from a comprehensive population-based survey conducted in Canada.
Methods: A web-based survey was carried out among adults in Canada (phase 1, N = 3,816) followed by a focused telephone interview in phase 2 for those who met the criteria for PE (phase 2, N = 1,636). Men were classified as having PE based on self-report of low or absent control over ejaculation, irrespective of the duration of the ejaculation time, resulting in distress for them or their sexual partner or both, or reporting that they "climaxed too soon".
Results: The prevalence of PE in the survey, diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III criteria, ranged from 16% to 24% depending on the definition of PE utilized, and did not vary significantly with age. Ninety percent of those with a determination of PE in this survey had not discussed alternatives to prolong time to ejaculation with a physician, pointing to gaps in patient/physician communication around sexual health.
Conclusions: PE is a prevalent sexual problem that poses special challenges to clinicians and causes considerable burden to Canadian men and their partners. There remains a stigma associated with PE, resulting in the existence of significant barriers to obtaining assistance from physicians for this problem. The majority of those interviewed who sought and received treatment have not been satisfied with the results.