Premature ejaculation in infertile couples: prevalence and correlates.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of premature ejaculation (PE) and other sexual problems in infertile couples is unknown.


OBJECTIVE
We attempted to determine the prevalence of PE in infertile couples.


METHODS
Infertile couples presenting for evaluation at our institutions were invited to participate in our study. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess for associations between partner responses.


METHODS
Respondents completed a demographic survey, the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Both partners also completed a gender-specific survey instrument to detect PE and distress related to the condition. Male partners completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Self-Esteem and Relationship Quality (SEAR) scale. Female partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and a modified version of the SEAR.


RESULTS
Fifty percent of men reported that they ejaculated more rapidly than they wished. When men reported PE, their partners agreed with the diagnosis in 47% of cases. Female partners of men who did not report PE reported PE in 11% of cases. Partner frustration related to PE was reported by 30% of men. Partners agreed that they were frustrated in 43% of these cases. Among the 70% of men who did not report partner frustration from PE, 93% of the partners agreed that they were not frustrated. There was a statistically significant negative association between male and female report of PE and SEAR scores. There were no other statistically significant associations between PE responses and demographic variables, IIEF, FSFI, CES-D, and SF-36 scores.


CONCLUSIONS
PE is prevalent among infertile couples although the perceived incidence of the condition among men is higher than partner perceived incidence. Additionally, many men may overestimate the level of partner frustration related to PE. PE is associated with lower relationship satisfaction in both men and women. Further research is required.
Shindel
Alan W
AW
Washington University in Saint Louis-Surgery, Division of Urology, St Louis, MO, USA. shindela@urology.ucsf.edu
Nelson
Christian J
CJ
Naughton
Cathy K
CK
Mulhall
John P
JP
D000328:Adult; D003075:Coitus; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D004542:Ejaculation; D005260:Female; D005639:Frustration; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology