Perceived intravaginal ejaculation latency time: The diagnosis of premature ejaculation among Vietnamese men

Abstract Introduction Premature ejaculation (PE) is a prevalent sexual dysfunction in men that greatly affects their quality of life. In PE, the duration of sexual performance is considered an important aspect. However, a self‐estimated value of intravaginal ejaculation latency time (perceived IELT, PIELT) as a criterion for diagnosis has not been specified. Aim This study aimed to determine the validity and a threshold value for PIELT in PE diagnosis. Method In our cross‐sectional study, we recruited 550 men from March 2019 to January 2020 and interviewed them regarding their general demographic characteristics, sexual habits, PIELT and completed a premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) questionnaire. Eventually, a combination of a clinical diagnosis and PEDT score was used, in which those with PEDT ≥ 11 and diagnosed with possible PE were assigned to the final PE(+) group; those with PEDT score ≤ 8 and diagnosed with no PE were included in the final PE(−) group. Results Men PE(−) had more frequent sexual intercourse (9.74 ± 5.38 vs. 6.69 ± 5.38 episodes per month, p < 0.001) and had higher marriage rate (72.7% vs. 60.4%, p = 0.002) than PE(+) patients. No significant difference was noted regarding age, smoking habit, age of first sexual experience, and number of sexual partners between the two groups. The mean PIELT of control subjects and PE(+) patients were 11.69 ± 6.83 min and 2.01 ± 1.21 min, respectively. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cut‐off value of PIELT of 3.75 min can be used to distinguish PE men (area under the curve = 0.982, sensitivity/specificity = 0.961/0.909), which means that men with a PIELT ≤ 3.5 min is suggestive of PE. Conclusion The impact of PE is dramatic both from a social and a personal perspective. PE(+) patients married significantly less and have significantly lower sexual activity compared to a PE(‐) population. Furthermore, a PIELT of ≤ 3.5 min predicts PE demonstrating the need to revise its taxonomy and definition.