In short
Premature ejaculation (PE) is ejaculation that always or nearly always happens within about 1 to 2 minutes of penetration, with no ability to delay it and with distress. All three parts are needed for the diagnosis. By that strict definition PE affects about 4 percent of men, 1 in 25, although up to 30 percent of men say they ejaculate too quickly.
Condition Overview
What is premature ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation is a male sexual dysfunction with 3 defining features: a short time to ejaculation, no ability to delay it, and distress or avoidance of intimacy, according to clinical guidance. Premature ejaculation is also called rapid or early ejaculation. A short time alone, without loss of control and distress, is not premature ejaculation.
How common is premature ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation affects about 4 percent of men by the strict definition, 1 in 25, while up to 30 percent of men in community surveys, about 1 in 3, report ejaculating too quickly. Few of these men seek treatment. Premature ejaculation is the most common of the ejaculation disorders.
What is the difference between lifelong and acquired premature ejaculation?
Lifelong premature ejaculation is present from the first sexual experience; acquired premature ejaculation is a new, bothersome shortening of a previously normal time. The table compares them, based on the American Urological Association guideline (Journal of Urology, 2022).
| Lifelong | Acquired | |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Since sexual debut | After a period of normal control |
| Time to ejaculation | Within about 2 minutes of penetration | Markedly shorter than before |
| Likely background | Genetic factors, data limited | Psychological factors, erectile dysfunction, prostate or thyroid problems |
Premature ejaculation is also described as global, with every partner and situation, or situational, only in some circumstances.
What causes premature ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation has biological and psychological causes, often together. Lifelong PE is more likely linked to genetic factors, and acquired PE more likely to psychological factors such as anxiety or relationship difficulties, according to clinical guidance. Acquired PE also follows erectile dysfunction, when men hurry to ejaculate before the erection fades.
Is premature ejaculation linked to erectile dysfunction?
Yes, about 30 percent of men with premature ejaculation also have erectile dysfunction, about 1 in 3, which typically leads to early ejaculation without a full erection. The order matters for treatment, so both problems are assessed together: erectile dysfunction.
How is premature ejaculation diagnosed?
Premature ejaculation is diagnosed from the sexual history, not from a blood test. The history covers the time to ejaculation, control, distress, onset, partners and situations, and erections. Blood tests are added only where the history points to another problem, such as thyroid disease or erectile dysfunction, and a prostate or urinary infection is considered in acquired PE.
Premature ejaculation in Dubai and the UAE
How common is premature ejaculation in the Gulf?
In a study of 3,042 married men in Qatar, 38.5 percent reported premature ejaculation, close to 4 in 10, and 36.2 percent met the criteria of the Arabic Index of Premature Ejaculation (Arab Journal of Urology, 2021). The men’s median actual time to ejaculation was 5 minutes, while they perceived 15 minutes as normal. The gap between the actual and the expected time is one reason distress is common.
What about timing products sold in the UAE?
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has warned against sexual enhancement products that contain undeclared prescription drugs, including dapoxetine and PDE5 inhibitors (Khaleej Times). Treatment for premature ejaculation uses licensed medicines on prescription.
A consultation about a sexual problem with Dr Felix is private and documented with ordinary medical confidentiality. Nothing requires a partner to attend or to be told.
How premature ejaculation is treated: premature ejaculation treatment in Dubai.
When to See a Doctor
- Ejaculation happens within 1 to 2 minutes in most encounters and causes distress.
- Control over ejaculation became worse after a period of normal control.
- Early ejaculation comes together with weaker erections.
- You avoid intimacy because of early ejaculation.
- Pain on ejaculation, blood in the semen or burning on passing urine: assessment for infection or prostate problems.
- Palpitations, weight loss and heat intolerance together with a new change: thyroid assessment.
How Dr. Felix Assesses This
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1
Sexual history
Time to ejaculation, control, distress, onset, partners, situations and erections.
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2
Linked problems
Erectile dysfunction, anxiety, relationship factors, urinary or prostate symptoms and thyroid symptoms.
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3
Examination and tests
A focused examination, with tests only where the history points to another cause.
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4
Diagnosis and plan
Lifelong or acquired, global or situational, and the plan that fits.
Why Early Treatment Can Matter
Early assessment of premature ejaculation separates it from erectile dysfunction and from linked causes, which changes the treatment. About 1 in 3 men with premature ejaculation also has erectile dysfunction, and treating the erection problem first often improves control.
Early assessment also limits the effect on the relationship. Distress, frustration and avoidance of intimacy are part of the definition of premature ejaculation.
Why Early Treatment Can Matter
Early assessment of premature ejaculation separates it from erectile dysfunction and from linked causes, which changes the treatment. About 1 in 3 men with premature ejaculation also has erectile dysfunction, and treating the erection problem first often improves control.
Early assessment also limits the effect on the relationship. Distress, frustration and avoidance of intimacy are part of the definition of premature ejaculation.
Treatable
Licensed medicines, local anaesthetic sprays and behavioural methods all work better than placebo.
The linked problem
Erectile dysfunction is present in about 1 in 3 men with premature ejaculation.
Diagnosis from the history
Premature ejaculation is diagnosed in conversation, usually without extensive testing.
Cost & Consultation Investment
The cost of a premature ejaculation assessment covers the consultation with Dr Felix, a focused examination and any tests the history calls for. Dr Felix explains the full cost before anything is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Premature ejaculation means ejaculation always or nearly always within about 1 to 2 minutes of penetration, with no ability to delay it and with distress. A short time alone is not enough for the diagnosis.
Premature ejaculation affects about 4 percent of men by the strict definition, and up to 30 percent of men report ejaculating too quickly. In a Qatar study of 3,042 married men, 38.5 percent reported it.
Yes, acquired premature ejaculation starts after a period of normal control. It is more often linked to anxiety, relationship factors, erectile dysfunction or prostate and thyroid problems.
Premature ejaculation is diagnosed from the history. Blood tests are added only when the history points to another cause, such as thyroid disease or erectile dysfunction.
The cost covers the consultation, a focused examination and any tests the history calls for. Dr Felix explains the full figure before anything is done.
Evidence
Where this information comes from
Every figure on this page is taken from the sources below. All of them are free to read, so you can check them yourself.
- Disorders of Ejaculation: An AUA/SMSNA Guideline
- Premature ejaculation: an investigative study into assumptions, facts and perceptions of patients from the Middle East (PEAP study)
- Don’t consume sexual enhancement pills, warns UAE health ministry
- Erectile Dysfunction: Expert Panel Recommendations for Evaluation and Management in the United Arab Emirates
- EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health
This page is general medical information and does not replace a personal consultation. Trial results are averages across large groups, not a prediction for any one person.