Scientists have called for companies launching clinical trials into premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction to develop consensus standards in the area.

A review presented to the International Consultation on Sexual Medicine examined clinical trials into sexual dysfunction, focusing on those done over the past 20 years. They have said that future clinical trials need to have standards which would allow investigators to better conduct new trials in the field or consider evidence already gathered.

While there have been comparative studies into erectile dysfunction medications already on the market, an increased interest in premature ejaculation from pharmaceutical firms means that there are a growing number of trials into the condition.

Jannsen Cilag have already completed their trials for the premature ejaculation pill Priligy, the first pill to be approved for treatment of the condition.

However other firms are investigating potential treatments, such as topical sprays and injections.

One of the main difficulties facing scientists researching premature ejaculation is that it is even difficult to define the condition. A research paper presented at the European Society for Sexual Medicine reported that on average men with P.E lasted 1.8 minutes, compared to so-called normal men who lasted 7.3 minutes. However men with far longer lasting times have said they believe they suffer from the condition.

Jannsen accept the definition of the International Society of Sexual Medicine for the condition, namely that it involves a short time to ejaculation, lack of ejaculatory control and negative personal impact or distress related to ejaculation.

As their product Priligy is expected to be shortly available in the UK, this definition could be of use to doctors when deciding whether or not to prescribe the drug. However the vagueness of the definition demonstrates that for companies seeking to prove whether their medication helps treat the condition, there need to be very specific standards to prove efficacy.