Premature Ejaculation-A Taboo in Islamic Culture Effecting Self-Esteem and Relationship of Pakistani Men

Abstract

Background and Objective: Premature ejaculation is a common sexual dysfunction, severely affecting quality of life and relationship of married men. It is a taboo topic in Muslim population and not much data available in male dominant society like Pakistan. We aim to measure the impact of PE on married men by using Self-esteem and relationship questionnaire (SEAR). Material and Methods: Men presenting in outpatient clinic with features of PE were asked to fill the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool to confirm the diagnosis of PE and Self-esteem and relationship questionnaire (SEAR) to measure the effect of PE on self-esteem and relationship status. Equal numbers of controls were also asked to fill out the SEAR questionnaire. Data was analyzed by R version 5.2. Wilcox test was used to compare continuous variables and p-value of <0.05 considered as significant. Univariate analysis was done to determine factors predicting self-esteem and total relationship score. Results: There were 48 patients in each group. The mean age of PE group was 31.06+/- 8.35 and mean age of control group was 33.67+/-10.79. Mean Self-esteem and total SEAR score of PE group was 11.04+/-2.25 and 39.5+/-7.23 respectively while mean self-esteem and total SEAR score of control group was 18.27+/-0.91 and 64.20+/-3.13 respectively, both of which are statistically significant. We also performed the univariate analysis of self-esteem and total SEAR score but could not find the statistically significant factors predicting self-esteem and total relationship. Conclusion: Premature ejaculation is a significant problem negatively effecting self-esteem and relationship of married Pakistani men. Early diagnosis, treatment and psychological counseling are required to deal with this common problem.