Physicians may encounter patients with premature ejaculation ( PE ) much more frequently than expected. The condition is present in up to 39% of men depending on its definition. While the condition is common, men are reluctant to discuss it, and physicians need creative ways to screen for the dysfunction. Treating premature ejaculation can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the patient’s willingness to seek help, their comfort level with treatment, and the partner’s willingness to assist with treatment.

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV Special Interest Group for Sexual dysfunction examined the current guidelines and treatment mechanisms for premature ejaculation ( PE ). As a result, new guidelines were released to assist physicians in diagnosing the condition. Researchers may also use the guidelines in developing clinical trials to study premature ejaculation ( PE ).

Dapoxetine ( Priligy ™ ) is not yet approved for treating premature ejaculation, yet initial studies consider it safe and effective. The drug is quick acting, leaves the system rapidly, and long-term build-up is not evident. Different from other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the drug works from the first dose.

Even though there are medications that can cure premature ejaculation, researchers recognize the limitations of such medicines. As soon as the patient stops taking them, the effectiveness ceases. In order to effect lasting change, researchers in Korea used hyaluronic acid gel implants as a method to treat premature ejaculation.

Treatment is available for patients diagnosed with premature ejaculation. These treatments range from behavioral sex therapy, alternative medicine to pharmacological treatments. The type of treatment prescribed depends on several factors including the patient’s comfort level in discussing premature ejaculation, willingness to undergo sex therapy, and tolerance for side effects concerned with pharmacological intervention.