Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a condition that occurs when male climax happens considerably sooner than a man (or his partner) desires. It’s the most common type of sexual dysfunction in men under 40.

There are many definitions of PE, with doctors divided about exactly how to classify it. For instance, in order to be clear about a PE diagnosis it would be useful to have a definition of what qualifies as the average time span for male sexual intercourse. The reality is that this may vary greatly. At the 2006 Congress of the European Society for Sexual Medicine, an American research paper reported that the average lasting time of men with PE was 1.8 minutes. In contrast, those with ‘normal’ sexual function lasted an average of 7.3 minutes.

However, if both partners are happy with sexual intercourse then there is probably no cause for concern. Crucially, men report that PE commonly involves a feeling of being unable to ‘control’ ejaculation and these ongoing difficulties often lead to a lack of confidence.

The globally accepted definition of Premature Ejaculation is the one from the World Health Organisation (WHO):

The inability to control ejaculation sufficiently for both partners to enjoy sexual interaction. In severe cases, ejaculation may occur before vaginal entry or in the absence of an erection.

If you think you are suffering from PE, the good news is that there is help available.