A health condition in which a man ejaculates (cum) earlier than you or your partner would like during sexual intercourse is called premature ejaculation (PE). Generally, this is a common sexual dysfunction among males, and it affects about 30% to 40% of men. There are multiple factors that can cause PE, including physical problems, chemical imbalances, emotional or psychological factors, and others. Doctors usually recommend specific techniques that help delay ejaculation, counseling, and medicines to treat PE.
In other words, this is a type of sexual dysfunction that occurs when a person has an orgasm and ejaculates sooner than they or their partner would like. Commonly, it occurs shortly after beginning the sexual activity. While this condition can be lifelong (chronic), some people can acquire it. People with PE do not have symptoms other than ejaculating too early.
Additionally, this is the most common type of sexual dysfunction in males. It impacts 1 in 5 people between the ages of 18 and 59.
Causes
There are multiple factors that cause premature ejaculation. The most common of them include anxiety/psychological factors. Some people can have extra-sensitive penile skin that also leads to PE. Check below some emotional and psychological causes of PE:
- Performance anxiety – It includes nervousness of being with a new partner, anxiousness of having sex again after a long period, being overly excited, and others.
- Stress – Some people may come from work, other relationships, life changes, or events in their lives that cause PE.
- Relationship problems – This often ranges from sexual abuse to hostile feelings about your partner.
- Depressive thoughts – These include feeling guilty or overwhelmed.
- Low self-esteem – For example, body image problems, lack of confidence, and others.
However, PE can be caused by other health conditions. These include:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Hormonal imbalances involving Oxytocin levels – This hormone plays an essential role in sexual function. However, there are other hormones that can also contribute to PE. For example, Luteinizing hormone (LH), Prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
- Low levels of Serotonin or Dopamine – These are specific chemicals in the brain that are involved in sexual desire and excitement.
- Extra sensitive penile skin
- Inflamed prostate gland
In most cases, people do not experience PE due to an underlying health condition, such as penile disorders, infections, or problems with the reproductive system. Usually, everything works properly, but PE can occur due to persistent stress, nervousness, or anxiety.
What Are The Potential Complications of Premature Ejaculation?
People with PE can also experience some complications, especially if it is left untreated. For example:
- Psychological problems
- Feeling embarrassed because you cannot satisfy your partner
- Mental health issues (such as anxiety or depression)
- Frustration
- Reduced self-esteem
- Pain during ejaculation
This document does not contain a full list of PE complications. However, you can discuss with your doctor measures to reduce the risk or even prevent these complications.
How to Prevent Premature Ejaculation?
Generally, this condition can be prevented, but it depends on the exact cause. One of the best ways to prevent this disorder is to see a doctor to determine the cause of PE and get appropriate treatment. There are multiple options that can help avoid PE.
Treatment
Commonly, healthcare professionals prescribe different treatments because it depends on the exact cause, which often is different among people with PE. They often recommend behavioral therapy, counseling, and medicines. Usually, behavioral therapy is enough to treat PE because most people develop it due to emotional concerns, performance anxiety, or stressful situations.
Behavioral Therapy
This treatment involves multiple practical methods to delay orgasm. The goal of this treatment is to control the body and feelings. Check below some options:
- Start and stop – This technique involves stimulating the penis close to the point of orgasm and then stopping for about 30 seconds until you regain control of the response. Therefore, you should repeat this technique 3-4 times before allowing yourself to orgasm.
- Squeeze therapy – In such cases, you or your partner should stimulate the penile close to the point of orgasm and then gently squeeze the head of the penis for 30 seconds to lose the erection. Usually, doctors recommend repeating this procedure several times and then allowing yourself to ejaculate.
- Distracted thinking – This option of behavioral therapy involves thinking about nonsexual things during sexual activity. It may help focus attention.
Counseling
People with PE are usually referred to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or sex therapist if the condition occurs due to emotional or psychological issues. For example, performance anxiety, depression, guilt, relationship problems, stress, and others.
Medicines
There are some medications that may help with PE. However, they are prescribed “off-label” (not approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat PE). They often recommend antidepressants, including tricyclic antidepressants (such as Clomipramine) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include:
- Escitalopram
- Citalopram
- Paroxetine
- Sertraline
- Fluoxetine
Another way to delay ejaculation is anesthetic creams or sprays. They are often applied to the head and shaft of the penile. When it absorbs the medicine, it causes reduced sensitivity in the penis. In rare cases, people with PE may need an opiate medicine (such as Tramadol).
If you develop PE due to another sexual dysfunction (such as erectile dysfunction), doctors may prescribe the following medications. For example, Sildenafil citrate, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, Avanafil, and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cure for premature ejaculation?
Usually, people get rid of this condition with treatment. Moreover, one of the most effective treatments is behavioral therapy.
Does having sex less help with premature ejaculation?
No, avoiding sex may worsen this condition because, over time, the penile skin can become more sensitive.
Is premature ejaculation harmful or a sign of a medical problem?
In most cases, people develop PE due to emotional or psychological problems. However, there are some disorders that can also contribute to PE. For example:
- Other sexual dysfunctions (such as erectile dysfunction)
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
- Thyroid diseases
- Substance use disorders
Can drinking alcohol help delay ejaculation?
While in some cases alcohol can delay orgasm, it is not recommended to use it as a treatment for premature ejaculation. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
