The average intravaginal ejaculatory latency time of premature ejaculation sufferers is 1.8 minutes, versus 7.3 minutes in men without PE, according to a large epidemiologic study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine (2005; 2:358).

The 4-week study followed 207 men with PE and 1,380 without the condition by measuring average times to ejaculation with stopwatches. The intravaginal ejaculatory latency time was defined as the time between the start of vaginal intromission and the start of intravaginal ejaculation.

The study also reviewed both the concerns of the female partner and the patient. Compared with those couples not experiencing PE, men with PE and their female partners had higher ratings for personal distress, interpersonal difficulty with their partner, lack of ejaculation control, and dissatisfaction with sexual intercourse.

Investigators also found that latency time might not be sufficient to diagnose PE, but subjective factors such as lack of control might be valid indicators.

"This article demonstrates that subjective factors like sense of control, distress, and sexual satisfaction need to be considered when treating this highly prevalent disorder," said corresponding author Stanley E. Althof, PhD, of Case Western University School of Medicine, Cleveland.