Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common form of male sexual dysfunction across all age groups. PE is associated with negative psychological consequences including frustration, distress, and low self-confidence, which can create an obstacle while forming new partner relationships. Given the subjective and highly variable nature of sexual dysfunction, there are multiple and often inconsistent definitions PE. The International Society for Sexual Medicine provides the most comprehensive definition of PE: both acquired and lifelong PE are characterized by ejaculation that always or nearly always occurs approximately within 1 min of vaginal penetration or when the patient has a clinically bothersome reduction in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time or due to an inability to delay ejaculation in all or nearly all vaginal penetrations–all of which lead to the accumulation of negative psychosocial burden. The etiology of PE may stem from genetic predisposition or psychologic components; however, the precise mechanism has not been elucidated and likely differs from individual to individual. There is a well-established link between PE and neurotransmitter signaling through which SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) have a tangible therapeutic effect. There have been significant advances in management of PE with the use of psychosexual therapy and pharmacotherapy, mainly local anesthetics and SSRIs.
This review contains 3 figures, 2 tables, and 36 references.
Key Words: classification, epidemiology, male sexual dysfunction, medical management, premature ejaculation
The Prevalence of Male Sexual Dysfunction in Kosovo