Introduction: Although the new classification of premature ejaculation (PE) has been proposed by Waldinger et al., there have been few studies investigating the four PE syndromes in China.

Aims: We investigated the prevalence and factors associated with the complaint of PE and the four PE syndromes in Anhui province, China.

Methods: Between September 2011 and September 2012, subjects were selected from five cities in Anhui province, China. They participated in this survey by completing a detailed verbal questionnaire regarding their demographic data and medical and sexual history. Men with PE complaint were diagnosed as lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE (APE), natural variable PE (NVPE), or premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED).

Main outcome measures: PE complaint was divided into four PE syndromes. Anxiety, depression, and erectile dysfunction were independently assessed by the self-rating anxiety/depression scale and the international index of erectile function-5, respectively.

Results: Of the 3,016 men evaluated, 25.80% complained of PE. The distribution of the four PE syndromes in men with PE complaint was in the order of NVPE (44.09%), PLPE (24.81%), APE (18.77%), and LPE (12.34%). Patients with PE complaint were older and more likely to smoke, had more comorbidities, and a higher body mass index (BMI) than patients without the complaint (P < 0.001 for all). Similar findings were also observed in patients with APE compared with other PE patients (depression P = 0.012, cardiovascular P = 0.003, others P < 0.001). In addition, the rates of counseling by a doctor in men with LPE and APE were higher than those in men with NVPE and PLED (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The prevalence of PE complaint in male population of Anhui province, China, was 25.80%, with the highest PE syndromes being NVPE and PLPE. Patients with PE complaint or APE were older and more likely to smoke, had more comorbidities, and a higher BMI.