Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a distressing and common complaint which is often not treated by doctors as seriously as it deserves to be. It can cause extreme anxiety (which makes the problem worse) and can be disruptive to a relationship.
Careful distinction should be made between PE and early ejaculation. It must be remembered that the average time between vaginal penetration and ejaculation is only two minutes. PE, therefore, is technically ejaculation prior to this average.
However, whether one defines the problem as premature or early ejaculation it is irrelevant if the time before ejaculation does not allow fully satisfactory intercourse for both partners.
Modern treatments are extremely effective, and should be aimed at allowing the sufferer to gain control over the urge to ejaculate earlier than desired.
Dapoxetine (Priligy) is a recently developed drug specifically for use in the treatment of Premature Ejaculation. It is not currently licensed for use in the UK. It is available in a few European countries and awaits licensing in others. It awaits further FDA assessment in USA. It is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) similar to fluoxetine (Prozac) or paroxetine (Seroxat). Recent articles in the press have suggested it will be available privately via on-line consultations through a major hight street pharmacy. The cost will be over $pound;70 for three 30 or 60mg tablets. It is being promoted as having a more rapid onset of action than other similar treatments and is removed from the body more quickly. At the Wellman clinic we have years of experience treating PE. It is a conditon which causes much anxiety for individuals and partners and which requires careful and sympathetic assessment and explanation during face-to face consultation, with scope for follow-up. Moreover, treatment with established medication such as paroxetine and/or local anaesthetic creams has been validated in peer-reviewed research papers. Cost of treatment for paroxetine is $pound;12 for 30 x 20 mg tablets. We do not at present feel that treatment with dapoxetine is justified on the basis of experience or cost. We believe that the most appropriate forum for assessment of PE and its treatment by an appropriately qualified and experienced doctor.