Risk factors of premature ejaculation and its influence on sexual function of spouse

BACKGROUND: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a multifactorial problem with a complicated aetiology that has detrimental effects on female partners’ sexual function. However, there is a lack of studies on the relationship between the factors related to PE and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in China. We aimed to identify and explore the relationship between the factors associated with PE and FSD. RESULTS: Ultimately, information was collected from 761 couples: 445 couples with PE complaints and 316 couples without PE complaints. The mean ages of the men with and without PE complaints were 36.29 ± 9.87 years and 31.48 ± 10.77 years, respectively. Female partners in the group with PE complaints reported lower total and subdomain female sexual function index (FSFI) scores, and approximately 65% of them were diagnosed with FSD (vs. control group: 31.96%). A PE duration of more than 14 months, a self-estimated intravaginal ejaculation latency time (self-estimated IELT) less than 2 min, a negative attitude towards PE problems, men’s introversion, and men’s depression were risk factors for FSD in the PE group. CONCLUSIONS: PE affects not only the patient himself but also the spouse. Comprehensive analysis reveals a clear relationship and interaction between female sexual function and PE. Moreover, in PE treatment, we should not ignore the occurrence of FSD and its impact and should emphasize the treatment of couples together.