LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The DSM-IV-TR Is an Inadequate Diagnostic Tool for Premature Ejaculation

Abstract

The Global Online Sexuality Survey (GOSS) is a worldwide epidemiologic study of sexuality and sexual disorders. In 2010, the first report of GOSS came from the Middle East.This report studies the prevalence rate of premature ejaculation (PE) in the U.S. as of 2011–2012 and evaluates risk factors for PE.GOSS was randomly deployed to English‐speaking male web surfers in the USA via paid advertising on Facebook®, comprising 146 questions.Prevalence of PE as per the International Society of Sexual Medicine's (ISSM) definition.With a mean age of 52.38 years ± 14.5, 1,133 participants reported on sexual function. As per the ISSM definition of PE, the prevalence rate of PE in the USA as of 2011 was 6.3%. This is in contrast to 49.6% as per the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), 77.6% as per unfiltered subjective reports, and 14.4% as per subjective reporting on more consistent basis. 56.3% of the latter reported lifelong PE. 63.2% could be classified as having natural variable PE. Erectile dysfunction is a possible predisposing factor for acquired PE, while genital size concerns may predispose to lifelong PE. Age, irregular coitus, circumcision, and the practice of masturbation did not pose a risk for PE, among other risk factors. Oral treatment for PE was more frequently used and reported to be more effective than local anesthetics, particularly in those with lifelong PE.Applying the ISSM definition, prevalence of PE is far less than diagnosed by other methods, 6.3% among Internet users in USA as of the year 2011. PEDT measures both lifelong and acquired PE, in addition to 35% men with premature‐like ejaculatory dysfunction, making it inaccurate for isolating lifelong and acquired PE cases. Shaeer O. The Global Online Sexuality Survey (GOSS): The United States of America in 2011 chapter III—Premature ejaculation among English‐speaking male Internet users. J Sex Med **;**:**–**.