WHO WANTS TO TALK ABOUT PREMATURE EJACULATION?

It is one of man's most common, underestimated sexual problems: ejaculating earlier than desired. More common than erectile dysfunction, this condition can affect men at any point in their lives, and one in four men experience poor control over ejaculation on a frequent basis. According to published research, 20%–30% of men worldwide are commonly affected by premature ejaculation (PE), yet this medical condition remains a taboo subject in virtually every culture. Two presentations at this week's 99th Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) are helping to increase understanding and discussion of this common male sexual condition.

"Premature ejaculation is a frequent and distinct medical condition that can severely impact quality of life, affecting the physical and emotional well-being of patients and their partners," says James H. Barada, M.D., urologist at the Center for Male Sexual Health, Albany , NY , and board member of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA). "But most men are reluctant to talk about it with their partners or physicians."

Premature ejaculation is defined as persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation before, upon, or shortly after penetration, or before the person wishes, causing distress and embarrassment to one or both partners, potentially affecting sexual relationships and overall well-being.

Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development supported the SMSNA Scientific Working Group and the McCullough study.

ALZA Corporation obtained rights to develop and commercialize (Priligy) dapoxetine under an agreement among ALZA, Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc. and its subsidiary, GenuPro, Inc. in January 2001. Under the agreement ALZA acquired the right to develop and commercialize priligy (dapoxetine) for urogenital indications, including premature ejaculation, on a worldwide basis.