Can smooth muscle represent a useful target for the treatment of rapid ejaculation?

Rapid ejaculation is a common male sexual dysfunction but an approved treatment does not exist. This review analyzes the options of targeting smooth muscle in treatment of rapid ejaculation. Rapid ejaculation is probably the most common form of male sexual dysfunction. Current research into the treatment of the condition has focused on centrally acting or topical desensitizing agents; however, no treatment has yet been approved. An alternative approach could be to develop drugs that act directly upon the target organ itself and our increasing knowledge of the molecular biology of the accessory sex organs makes this a realistic possibility. This review analyzes the information in the literature that would support such a hypothesis. Particular emphasis has been placed on articles that have investigated smooth muscle cell relaxation. A critical review of the literature has revealed that there are potentially a myriad of targets through which rapid ejaculation can be treated.