Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual dysfunction that can be distressing for both men and their partners. But what exactly is premature ejaculation? There are several definitions that have been used to describe this condition, which can make it difficult to understand and identify. Here are a few examples:
International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM)
According to the ISSM, premature ejaculation is “a male sexual dysfunction characterized by ejaculation which always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about one minute of vaginal penetration; and the 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.”
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO defines premature ejaculation as “a male sexual dysfunction characterized by ejaculation which always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about one minute of vaginal penetration.”
American Urological Association (AUA)
The AUA defines premature ejaculation as “ejaculation that occurs before or shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it.”
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
The DSM-5, a manual used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders, defines premature ejaculation as “persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation before, on, or shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it.”
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
In the UK, the NICE defines premature ejaculation as “ejaculation that occurs within one minute of starting intercourse.”
Conclusion
As these definitions illustrate, there is some variation in how premature ejaculation is defined. However, all of these definitions involve ejaculation that occurs too quickly,
