Identifying Clinical Subtypes of Premature Ejaculation: A Cross-sectional Study of Clinical and Socio-demographic Patterns

Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most prevalent male sexual dysfunctions globally, with prevalence estimates ranging from 5% to 40%. Recent frameworks classify PE into clinical subtypes based on chronicity, situational factors, and clinical characteristics, including lifelong, acquired, natural variable, and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED). Despite its psychological and relational impacts, research on these subtypes, particularly in the Indian context, remains limited, underscoring the need for further exploration to inform tailored interventions. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed heterosexual men with PE at a tertiary center in North India. Individuals with significant psychiatric/medical comorbidities were excluded from the sample. A comprehensive evaluation of patients was done, including physical examination, hormonal/metabolic screenings, and assessments using validated tools for sexual dysfunction, psychiatric symptoms, and quality of life. Results: A total of 102 patients were enrolled in the study. Pairwise comparisons indicated significant differences in age of onset between lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) and PLED (P = .001), as well as between LPE and acquired premature ejaculation (APE) (P < .001). APE was significantly correlated with tobacco dependence (P = .009). Patients with LPE generally scored lower across various domains of the SF-36 Health Questionnaire, indicating more significant functional impairment. Conclusion: APE emerged as the predominant subtype in the sample, followed by LPE-associated with a younger age-and PLED.