Men who experience premature ejaculation are perceived by female partners to focus too much attention on their own sexual performance. This inappropriate focus leads to negligence of other forms of sexual activity, and is the most frequently reported reason for female distress, according to a survey of 1,463 women in relationships with men with premature ejaculation.

Studies of premature ejaculation have tended to focus on its effects on the man, identifying quality-of-life consequences and detrimental effects on relationships. This latest research sought to determine the woman's perspective and the influence of her own sexual functioning.

47.6% of respondents cited the man's lack of attention to his partner's sexual needs as causing distress, and 39.9% indicated that a short time between penetration and ejaculation was distressing. 22.8% of women reported that their partner's premature ejaculation had previously led to the break-up of relationships. Women's rating of the importance of different aspects of men's sexuality, such as ejaculatory control and sexual versatility, varied according to their own sexual functioning.

Behavioural interventions that identify and address the relative importance of the varied facets of couples' sexual compatibility, and emphasize pleasure and versatility over control and duration, could help to improve satisfaction and reduce the negative effects of premature ejaculation on relationship quality and stability.