A study has found that 30% of Asian men experience premature ejaculation when they are having sex.

However, doctors have expressed concern that very few men in the region feel able to discuss the problem. Conservative attitudes towards sex prevail in many Asian countries. In this strict environment men often choose to keep premature ejaculation problems to themselves.

The Asia Pacific Premature Ejaculation Prevalence and Attitude Study looked at 5,000 men across ten Asian countries. Its results were released last December, and made clear that premature ejaculation is a huge problem in the region.

The effects of such a widespread problem on men’s personal lives are likely to be severe. Other studies of Asian men have indicated that premature ejaculation can have disastrous consequences for self-esteem, sometimes ending existing relationships, and making some men hesitant to even enter a long-term relationship in the first place.

Tackling the taboo of the subject, say experts, would help men to discuss the problem with their partners or doctors and get the help that they need. The Asian Consultant Urologist George Lee, who was directly involved in the study, recommended: "Firstly, acknowledge the condition. Secondly, talk to your partner. And thirdly, seek advice from your doctor who can advise you if there really is a problem and if necessary make a specialist referral."

Premature ejaculation is recognised as the most widely common male sexual disorder. While there is no universally accepted definition of the problem, it is generally accepted that, when a man ejaculates earlier than he or his partner would like him to, this constitutes premature ejaculation.