Model approach for evaluation and treatment of men with premature ejaculation

Introduction: Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions among men. PE is poorly defined and inadequately characterized, therefore, professionals find it difficult to cope with the diagnosis, treatment and research. Men who complain about their PE also describe their problem in different ways. Purpose: This article describes the prevalence of PE, presents the different definitions of the problem and provides a model for evaluation and treatment combining medical and psychosexual techniques. Methods: The proposed model for the diagnosis and treatment of PE was composed by combining information from relevant literature with the multi-professional staff experience in our Sexual Medicine Center. Outcomes: Selective serotonin release inhibitors (SSRIs) have been the most promising medication for treatment of PE. Psychosexual therapy, offering cognitive-behavioral techniques contribute to the man's ability to improve his sexual and couple relationships. Conclusions: Diagnosis of PE is mainly based on sexual history as described by the male patient. Therefore, it is essential to have a comprehensive medical and sexual history, description of the effect of PE on sexual activity, and the degree of personal and couple distress. It is important to clarify the onset of the problem, as PE may be the result of another sexual dysfunction of the man or his sexual partner.