| 708 Room 524-C | Male - Sexual Dysfunction (PE) Wednesday, July 13, 2005 Time: 8:30 AM-10:30 AM |
Drivers and Barriers to Treatment-seeking Behavior in Men with Premature Ejaculation.
Perelman, Michael*,1, Shabsigh, Ridwan2, 1 Departments of Psychiatry, Reproductive Medicine and Urology, New York, NY, USA2 Department of Urology, New York, NY, USA
ABSTRACT- Introduction and Objectives While a majority of men with premature ejaculation (PE) have tried numerous coping mechanisms to deal with their condition, few seek treatment from a healthcare professional. Our analysis uncovers what factors drive certain men to seek treatment for PE. Methods A multi-country internet-based survey of 12,134 men was conducted in 2004. The PE Prevalence and Attitudes (PEPA) Study enrolled men aged 18-70 in the United States, Germany, and Italy. Respondents answered questions about general quality of life, relationships, sexual experiences and attitudes, health and medicines, and demographics. Men were categorized as having PE via two survey responses regarding timing of and control over ejaculation, and were classified as having sought PE treatment if they reported having talked to a therapist and/or had taken prescription medication for PE. Results While men with PE, on average, report having tried 5 different ways to manage their PE, including focusing on something else, special positions during sex, masturbation, and interrupted stimulation (tried by >25% of men with PE), <20% have sought treatment from a healthcare professional. Treatment-seeking behavior was positively correlated with high levels of distress from PE, being comfortable talking with their doctor/health professional, tension with their partner, and reduced frequency of sexual intercourse due to PE, among other factors. Factors associated with not seeking treatment included an acceptance of PE (ie, learning to live with it), a disbelief that PE negatively affects a man′s relationship with his partner, the absence of a primary care physician (especially for young men), discomfort discussing sexual issues with their physician, a lack of commonly accepted terms for discussing PE, and having co-morbid erectile dysfunction. Conclusions This large-scale study of men shows that those who have tension with their partner, high levels of distress and reduced sexual activity due to PE, and are comfortable with their doctor, are more likely to present for treatment of their condition. Understanding what drives men with PE to seek professional help, as well as factors that keep them from entering treatment, are important considerations for patient education. There is a significant need for an effective, discreet, and uncomplicated treatment for PE.
Key words: ejaculation, orgasmic dysfunction, treatment-seeking, pharmacotherapy, sex therapy