Premature ejaculation (PE) is a sexual disorder that affects 20-40% of men.
It is characterized by an ejaculatory reflex that occurs "too soon", within two minutes of penetration or intense sexual excitement. Two minutes is the maximum time frame for an ejaculation to be considered premature. Often the time frame is much shorter, from 30 seconds to one minute. In some cases, ejaculation may occur a few seconds after intercourse has begun.
Premature ejaculation is defined according to three characteristics :
- Management of sexual excitement considered too short ;
- Lack of control over this excitement - the man has absolutely no control over his ejaculation ;
- Suffering and frustration caused by this disorder. PE can often cause a painful personal situation and a feeling of guilt towards a partner.