Premature ejaculation and female sexuality –⁠ implications for sexual function, psychological health, and relationship satisfaction of female partners

Czech version

Authors: Rachel Zelinka Sajdlová ^1,2; Luděk Fiala ^1-4
Authors‘ workplace: Psychiatrická klinika FN Plzeň ¹; Psychiatrická klinika LF UK, Plzeň ²; Sexuologický ústav, 1. LF UK, Praha ³; Sexuologický ústav, VFN v Praze ⁴
Published in: Čes. a slov. Psychiat., 121, 2025, No. 4, pp. 165-171.
Category: Review
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/cccsp202513

Overview

Summary: Objectives: Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common sexual dysfunction in men. However, its effects are not limited to male sexuality alone; it also significantly influences relationship dynamics, sexual function, and the psychological health of female partners. The aim of this review is to systematically evaluate available knowledge regarding the effects of PE on women‘s sexual functioning, relationship satisfaction, and psychological well-being of female partners of men with PE. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science databases as of November 2024. Twenty studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and examined the impact of PE on female partners were selected for analysis. Methodological quality of the studies and measurement tools used (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI], Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire –⁠ Female [SQoL-F], Sexual Assertiveness Scale [SAS], Sexual Distress Scale [SDS]) were taken into consideration. Due to significant heterogeneity among studies, a narrative synthesis of the results was applied. Results: Available studies indicate that PE is significantly associated with an increased prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions, particularly disorders related to arousal, lubrication, lack of sexual desire, and difficulties achieving orgasm. Female partners of men with PE consistently score lower on the FSFI questionnaire and report a reduced sexual quality of life. Some studies report a prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions ranging from 78 % to 100 % in relationships affected by PE. PE also negatively influences relationship satisfaction, and in some cases, may even contribute to relationship breakdown. The psychological impact of PE is most apparent in elevated anxiety levels among female partners, while the link with depressive symptoms remains less consistent. The quality of the relationship and the level of mutual communication between partners appear to be important moderating factors. Conclusion: PE represents a significant factor that negatively affects not only male sexuality, but also the sexual functioning of female partners, relationship satisfaction, and psychological well-being. However, there is still limited evidence on whether, and to what extent, treatment for PE leads to improvement in women’s sexual function and psychological well-being. Future research should examine the effects of PE treatment in the context of couple relationships and emphasize the need for a comprehensive therapeutic approach that addresses both partners.

Keywords:

female sexual dysfunction – premature ejaculation – sexual satisfaction – couple relationships – sexual quality of life – psychological effects of sexual dysfunctions

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MUDr. Rachel Zelinka Sajdlová

Psychiatrická klinika FN Plzeň

Lochotín, alej Svobody 80

323 00 Plzeň

e-mail: sajdlovar@fnplzen.cz