It can start at puberty (primary form) or later in life (secondary form); the former is more difficult to treat as it can have a significant emotional component.

Although most men may not present for treatment, premature ejaculation can still have a significant impact on quality of life (see figure below; McCullough et al, 2004).

Premature ejaculation is a subjective diagnosis, which is confirmed by the physician if it is persistent and causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.

This area remains a commercial opportunity due to the fact that there are no approved treatments and the 'off-label' use of antidepressants are associated with many side-effects, making their long-term use an issue in a 'lifestyle' indication.

A safe, effective and 'on demand' treatment for this condition, coupled with a strategy to get couples to visit their physician, will be key in establishing and developing this market.

URODOC has contributed to the development of a topical agent for premature ejaculation, and also a device that will objectively measure PE for use in diagnosis and clinical trials.