Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common male sexual disorder, estimated to 
affect up to 30% of men. Over the past one or two decades, clinical 
investigators have participated in an increasing number of studies that are 
helping in our understanding of PE, which will undoubtedly facilitate future 
treatments. Apart from a number of behavioral approaches, the treatment of PE 
consists of primarily off-label use of oral selective serotonin reuptake 
inhibitors (SSRIs) via either on-demand or daily delivery. However, various 
undesirable side-effects of these medications have led researchers to search for 
and develop new therapeutic approaches for PE. Dapoxetine is a short-acting SSRI 
developed specifically for the treatment of PE. Early trials with dapoxetine 
have documented successful outcomes without serious short- or long-term 
side-effects. This review addresses the definition, classification, diagnosis, 
physiology, and neurobiopathology of PE, and evaluates therapeutic strategies 
with novel treatments for PE.