What Is PE?
Premature ejaculation (PE) is possibly the most common form of sexual dysfunction in men, affecting more men than erectile dysfunction. Quite simply, PE is a man's inability to delay ejaculation for more than a minute or two after penetration (the accepted 'normal' duration of intercourse is between four and seven minutes), and which leads to him - and often his partner - feeling distressed and/or upset.
And PE can have adverse effects on the sexual behaviour, self-esteem and quality of life of men who suffer from it. In some cases, PE can be sufficiently serious that men are unable to form meaningful sexual relationships.
The first consensus definition of PE by a group of international experts (Ad Hoc Committee of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM)) was confirmed in October 2007:
Premature ejaculation is a male sexual dysfunction characterised 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.
The International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM)