How Premature Ejaculation Affects Couples and Partners and Your Quality of Life

How Premature Ejaculation affects couples

Since it was first described in 1887, Premature Ejaculation has had serious effects on the quality of life of millions of men and their partners. Today estimates of the prevalence of Premature Ejaculation indicate that Premature Ejaculation affects the majority of all men at some point in their lives.

A recent observational study of the impact of Premature Ejaculation was conducted by Patrick and colleagues. It provided extensive observational data for the validation of patient-reported outcomes in measuring future treatment effects. Of 1,587 men enrolled, 207 had Premature Ejaculation and 1,380 did not have Premature Ejaculation. Group assignment was based on patient report and physician assessment by DSM-IV criteria. All subjects provided stopwatch-derived intravaginal ejaculatory latency times (IELTs) for the construction of single-question, patient-reported outcomes scales for ejaculatory control and intercourse satisfaction. They found that longer IELTs were associated with higher levels of both control over ejaculation and patient and partner satisfaction with sexual intercourse.

While the causes of Premature Ejaculation can be complex, the effects of Premature Ejaculation are also complicated. Premature Ejaculation can have an impact on a patient's self-esteem, sexual relationships, and family life. When anxiety over Premature Ejaculation leads to other sexual dysfunction, the cycle can turn in on itself.

How Premature Ejaculation affects partners

Although Premature Ejaculation is a condition that affects men, it also concerns their sexual partners. Even though the vast majority of research has focused on the impact Premature Ejaculation has on the male patient and his sexual health, some researchers have examined the effect Premature Ejaculation has on the sexual health of the partner.

A study of 152 men and their female partners assessed men's and women's Premature Ejaculation receptions of the impact of having a Premature Ejaculation problem on their own and their partner's self-esteem and sexual pleasure. The study also looked into the impact of Premature Ejaculation on the sexual relationship.

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The study found that more than a quarter of both men (29.3%) and women (26.5%) reported that the female partner had expressed dissatisfaction about the timing of the man's ejaculation. Men who self-reported a problem with Premature Ejaculation also reported a very negative impact (1 or 2 on a 7-point scale) on:

• Their own self-esteem (17.1%)

• Their partner's self-esteem (8.6%)

• Their own sexual pleasure (17.1%)

• Their partner's sexual pleasure (28.6%)

• Their sexual relationship (22.9%)

How Premature Ejaculation affects quality of life

There is a strong association between sexual dysfunction in general and impaired quality of life. Sexual dysfunction is highly associated with negative Premature Ejaculation experiences in sexual relationships and overall well-being. Sexual dysfunction, including Premature Ejaculation, is an important concern and warrants further study.

Next: The Flip Side: Delayed Ejaculation - Lasting Too Long

Last updated: 10/05.

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