ing the ventral tegmental area.
Culture-Related Diagnostic Issues
Perception of what constitutes a normal ejac ulatory latency is different in many cultures.
Measured ejaculatory latencies may differ in so me countries. Such differences may be ex-
plained by cultural or religious factors as well as genetic differences between populations.
Gender-Related Diagnostic Issues
Premature (early) ejaculation is a sexual disorder in males. Males and their sexual partners
may differ in their perception of what consti tutes an acceptable ejaculatory latency. There
may be increasing concerns in females about early ejaculation in their sexual partners,
which may be a reflection of changing societal  attitudes concerning female sexual activity. 
Diagnostic Markers
Ejaculatory latency is usually mo nitored in research settings by  the sexual partner utilizing
a timing device (e.g., stopwatch), though this is  not ideal in real-life sexual situations. For
vaginal intercourse, the time between intravag inal penetration and ejaculation is measured. 
Functional Consequences of 
Premature (Early) Ejaculation
A pattern of premature (early) ejaculation may be associated with decreased self-esteem, a
sense of lack of control, and adverse conseq uences for partner relationships. It may also
cause personal distress in the sexual partner and decreased sexual satisfaction in the sexual
partner. Ejaculation prior to penetration may be  associated with diffi culties in conception.
Differential Diagnosis
Substance/medication-induced sexual dysfunction. When problems with premature
ejaculation are due exclusively to substance use, intoxicati on, or withdrawal, substance/
medication-induced sexual dysfunction should be diagnosed.