Intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) measures the time from penetration to ejaculation during sex and is often used to diagnose and treat premature ejaculation (PE). PE is typically defined by a short IELT (less than 1 minute for lifelong PE or under 3 minutes for acquired PE) accompanied by distress or difficulty delaying ejaculation. Although research often focuses on IELT improvements with treatment, little is known about how men with PE perceive a “normal” IELT or what they expect from treatment outcomes.

A recent study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine sheds light on these perceptions and highlights the importance of aligning patient expectations with realistic outcomes. Unrealistic views of IELT, often influenced by online information or pornography, can lower treatment satisfaction, fuel sexual anxiety, and contribute to treatment discontinuation.

The study compared 466 men with PE to 126 men without PE. Participants in the PE group were diagnosed by a sexual health provider, scored high on the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), and reported no other conditions affecting ejaculation. Men with significant psychiatric conditions, alcohol abuse, or communication barriers were excluded. The control group consisted of men with normal ejaculation timing and low PEDT scores. Both groups completed detailed questionnaires on their sexual health, including a self-assessed IELT and (for men with PE) questions about their expectations for treatment.

Findings revealed that men with PE (average age 28.3) had significantly shorter perceived IELTs (1.6 minutes vs. 14.5 minutes in the control group) and lower ejaculation satisfaction. Despite this, 59.4% of PE patients expected their IELT to exceed 10 minutes after treatment, a perception shaped by unrealistic sources such as pornography or peer comparisons. Unfortunately, these expectations often did not align with treatment outcomes, leading to dissatisfaction and negative impacts on the men’s confidence, relationships, and sexual function.

Age, education, and marital status had minimal influence on expected IELT. However, PE patients were more likely to be unmarried and less educated than their counterparts without PE. Additionally, they reported less frequent sexual activity (3.8 vs. 6.2 times per month), often due to relationship challenges and avoidance behaviors.

The results of this study underscore the importance of sexual education to address misconceptions about “normal” IELT and promote realistic treatment expectations among patients with PE. By providing accurate information and countering cultural myths, healthcare providers can improve patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment, ultimately enhancing quality of life for men with this condition.

References:

• Wang, C., Colonnello, E., Sansone, A., Zhang, H., Zhu, D., Jannini, E. A., & Zhang, Y. (2024). Perception of normal and treatment level ejaculatory latency times in men with premature ejaculation. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 21(12), 1137–1143. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae127