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Home > Q&A with a Doctor

Q&A with a Doctor

Common questions about PE answered by Professor Peter Lim, Senior Urologist and Medical Director of Andrology, Urology & Continence Centre at Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore. Professor Lim is also the President of the Society for Men's Health Singapore

Is PE a common medical condition in Singapore?

PE is considered to be the most common male sexual dysfunction, affecting about 20-30% of men of all ages. A survey of PE in Singapore was conducted in March 2010. Based on this survey, the prevalence of PE in Singapore is calculated to be about 20% of adult males, and an additional 15% “probably” have PE. Thus about 34% of the male respondents interviewed in Singapore have some form of PE.

I climax too fast during sex. Do I have PE?

PE is defined by three characteristics:

  1. a short time between penetration and ejaculation (or ejaculation before penetration),
  2. feeling unable to control ejaculation and
  3. unhappiness and frustration caused by the condition.

You have PE if you have a total score of more than 10 on the PEDT questionnaire. Take the test here.

What are the causes of PE?

There can be many different causes. Hereditary factors, performance anxiety, aging & penile skin atrophy, local skin conditions of the penile shaft & glans penis, hyperthyroidism, psychiatric factors, side effects of some drugs, etc etc.

What forms of treatment are available?

Behavioral therapy & psychosexual therapy, local sprays & creams, and prescription oral medications.

How can my partner and I address PE together?

Communicate openly. Don’t be shy and embarrassed. Keeping quiet can strain the relationship. See a psychosexual therapist or urologist who can teach behavioral therapy.

How can women discuss PE with their partners?

Be supportive and encouraging. Tell him you can help him overcome it & be prepared to do the exercises as instructed by his doctor. Do not be accusatory. Be sensitive. See a urologist or psychologist ASAP.

What should I say when I see my doctor about PE?

Say you have a “too quick” problem during sex.