The market for premature ejaculation
The global sales of treatments for premature ejaculation amounted to approximately 31 billion SEK in 2023. The market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 9 percent until 2028. This significant increase is due to the unmet need, as there are few registered medications with effective treatment. Growth is also driven by a growing male population and an increasing share of older men.
Premature ejaculation is defined as a man having difficulty controlling his ejaculation long enough for both himself and his partner to feel satisfied during intercourse. A more objective definition is that ejaculation occurs within two minutes after penetration.
Because different studies have used various criteria to define premature ejaculation, the estimated prevalence varies across studies. In some studies, the prevalence has been calculated to be about 5 percent using strict criteria, while it has been estimated to be around 31 percent with more generous criteria. A comprehensive meta-study from 2006 found that 22.7% of the 12,133 men in the study from the USA, Germany, and Italy were affected by premature ejaculation. The same study showed that only 9% of men with the condition sought medical help.
Current treatments for Premature Ejaculation
Currently, there are few effective and globally available treatments for premature ejaculation on the market. The primary treatment today is topical anesthetics applied to the glans of the penis 10-15 minutes before intercourse to reduce sensitivity, which helps delay ejaculation. Sensitivity is reduced, but this also diminishes sexual pleasure. The partner may also experience reduced sensitivity and enjoyment.
Overview of Key Treatments
- Fortacin – alternative method. Spray for local anesthesia of the penis.
- Priligy (Johnson & Johnson) – registered in approximately 30 countries in the EU, but not in the USA.
Limitations of Current Treatments
- Short duration of action, leading to unwanted planning of sexual activity
- Severe side effects such as diarrhea, fatigue, and insomnia