Premature Ejaculation

The disappointment that comes from ejaculating or coming too quickly during sex can be hard to acknowledge or talk about for many sufferers. However, premature ejaculation is a frequent problem that affects 30% to 40% of adult men at some point in their lives. According to the American Urological Association, about one in five men between the ages of 18 and 59 experience premature ejaculation at varying degrees of severity. 

Premature ejaculation, or PE, is clinically defined as climaxing within a few minutes after the initiation of sexual intercourse. In general terms, PE is when you climax much faster than what you or your partner would prefer. Fortunately, PE can be successfully corrected with timely and appropriate treatment.

What are the symptoms of premature ejaculation?

The telltale symptom of premature ejaculation is the inability to delay or prolong ejaculation for more than three minutes after penetration. However, this may occur during masturbation as well. 

Premature ejaculation may be a lifelong or an acquired condition. One is classified as having a lifelong condition if premature ejaculation has always or mostly occurred since your first sexual experience. In contrast, having an acquired condition means you developed premature ejaculation symptoms after having previous sexual experiences without any ejaculatory problems.

What can cause premature ejaculation? 

There is no one exact cause of premature ejaculation. There are many factors, both mental and physical, that can contribute to the development of this sexual condition. Contributing psychological and emotional elements may include:

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• A history of sexual abuse 
• Poor body image or self-esteem 
• Depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders 
• Feelings of guilt or stress about sex 
• Relationship problems 
• Erectile dysfunction (rushing to ejaculate because of the fear of losing the erection too soon)

Premature ejaculation might also be caused by biological or physical factors such as:

• Inherited traits/family history 
• Irregular or unstable hormone levels and 
• Unbalanced or inconsistent brain biochemical levels 
• Infection or inflammation of the prostate or urethra

What can increase my risk for premature ejaculation? 

The main risk factors for developing premature ejaculation are: 

-Erectile dysfunction—When you worry about losing an erection, it may be tempting to rush through sex. This can become a difficult habit to break, even after your erectile dysfunction symptoms have been resolved. 

-Stress—Intense mental or emotional anxiety can affect all areas of life, including your sexual health and performance. 

Are there complications from premature ejaculation if I do not get treatment? 

While premature ejaculation is not a life-threatening condition, it can intensify friction and dissatisfaction in intimate relationships. It may affect self-confidence adversely leading to a chronically decreased libido. It might also cause serious infertility problems if ejaculation often occurs outside the vagina. 

How can I prevent premature ejaculation? 

There are some solutions you can try on your own to delay ejaculation, which include: 

• Over the counter topical products for decreasing sensitivity of the penis (wipes, numbing creams, sprays) 
• Climax control condoms 
• Manual techniques during sexual activity to stop or delay orgasm 
• Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises to increase control of ejaculatory reflexes 
• Masturbating one or two hours before you have sexual activity 
• Focusing on other sexual activities and avoiding intercourse for a period 
• Traditional eastern medicine (Ayurvedic, Chinese herbal medicine) 

What treatments are available for premature ejaculation? 

Home remedies sometimes have undesirable side effects. For example, desensitizing topical products may decrease sensation and pleasure for both partners. Perhaps learning manual techniques and special exercises are too time consuming when you lead a busy and hectic lifestyle. In any case, your doctor may prescribe medical treatments such as: 

• Prescription topical numbing applications 
• Off label use of prescription medications such as anti-depressants and pain relievers
• Erectile dysfunction drugs recommended by your doctor 
• Counseling/cognitive behavioral therapy 

Premature ejaculation is a common and treatable sexual disorder although some may be it difficult to discuss with your family doctor. If you are concerned about privacy and convenience, you can schedule an online visit with one of our expert physicians at NeedMD. With our secure online system, you can be assured your confidentiality is always protected while your visit and treatment is conducted in a discreet and timely manner.