Age-related differences in the prevalence of premature ejaculation: taking a second and more detailed look

Abstract

Abstract Background Research indicates an inconsistent relationship between age and the prevalence of premature ejaculation (PE), with studies reporting an increase, decrease, or no change with age. Aim To reexamine the possible relationship between age and PE prevalence, implementing methodological improvements that enhance the likelihood of detecting real effects. Methods From a sample of 2772 men, we analyzed a subset of 418 classified as having probable or definite PE based on the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool. We not only analyzed men with lifelong PE (LPE; n = 316) and acquired PE (APE; n = 102) separately but assessed prevalence differences across age groups using an omnibus measure to establish PE status and specific PE diagnostic criteria, individually and in multifactorial combination. Outcome Prevalence of PE in younger vs older men. Results LPE, but not APE, showed age-related differences in prevalence, with LPE being lower in the higher age group. This pattern was most discernible when a multifactorial approach was used to establish PE status. Clinical Translation Older men may be less distressed about their dysfunction or may benefit from diminishing ejaculatory function with age. Strengths and Limitations This cross-sectional study used an improved methodology to detect age-related differences in PE prevalence. Future studies would benefit from a larger sample size that enables a breakdown of prevalence using a greater number of age categories. Conclusion According to an improved methodology, men with LPE showed a decline in prevalence with aging. A methodology aimed at exploring this relationship should—at the very least—not only distinguish between LPE and APE subtypes but also consider using a multifactorial method of determining PE status that includes a measure of bother/distress.