Explore what premature ejaculation isD and what are the common causes. Consider the premature ejaculations treatment options.
What is premature ejaculation?
Ejaculation is the release of semen during an orgasm, when this occurs sooner than wanted during sexual intercourse, it is called premature ejaculation (PE). It is a common condition and can affect 1 out of 3 males at one time or another.
PE is also known as rapid ejaculation, premature climax or early ejaculation. It is a type of sexual dysfunction which refers to any problem that may keep a couple from fully enjoying sexual activity. However this is different from erectile dysfunction which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that allows for a satisfying sexual experience.
Symptoms
The main symptom is the regular inability to delay ejaculation for some minutes of penetration during sexual encounters. It is usually categorized as a long term sexual problem however some individuals may side between normal to premature and they may be diagnosed with natural variable premature ejaculation.
Primary PE is the experience of always having issues with sexual function and acquired PE is when it’s developed later in life.
Causes
Psychological factors
Mental health can play a crucial role in sexual performance. Anxiety and stress can contribute to PE which creates further fear and creates a cycle of performance anxiety. Men with premature ejaculation can also be experiencing feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Biological factors
An imbalance in serotonin and hormones can influence ejaculation control. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, and low levels of this can contribute to PE. This could potentially be hereditary.
Medical conditions
There are certain medical conditions related to prostate issues such as prostatitis which can contribute to PE. Thyroid disorders can also impact sexual performance.
Behavioral factors
Individuals who may perform rapid or irregular masturbation may influence ejaculatory control during sex with a partner. It is also very normal to experience PE due to lack of experience and knowledge about sexual intimacy.
Premature ejaculation treatment
There are certain ways of treating premature ejaculation ranging from behavioral techniques, psychological therapies and medications.
Pelvic floor exercises
A weak pelvic floor might make it harder to delay ejaculation and kegel exercise can help strengthen these muscles. These exercises can be performed by finding the right muscles and perfecting the technique. To identify the pelvic floor muscles individuals should stop urinating in midstream and tighten the muscle that keeps individuals from passing gas.
It is important to perfect the technique by tightening the pelvic floor muscles, holding for three seconds and then relaxing for three seconds. This will help muscles get stronger and then exercises can be tried while standing, standing or walking. It is recommended to do 10 repetitions 3 times a day.
Pause squeeze technique
The health care professional may recommend that the couple try the pause-squeeze technique to overcome PE. This method works by beginning sexual activity, stimulating one self until almost ready to ejaculate and then squeezing the end of the penis for several seconds until the urge passes and repeating this squeeze as needed during the activity.
The aim is to repeat it as needed and after some practice having the body make it a habit to delay ejaculation on its own. Individuals who may find the squeeze technique painful can also try the stop-start technique which involves stopping the stimulation just before and waiting till the arousal has diminished and starting again.
Condoms
A simple treatment for premature ejaculation can be simply using condoms. They make the penis less sensitive which can help delay ejaculation. There are specific climax control condoms which contain numbing agents to help delay the process.
Behavioural techniques
In some cases there are simple therapy steps that can be taken. Individuals may try masturbating an hour or two before intercourse which can allow delaying of ejaculation when having sex. It may be beneficial to pause sexual activity for some time and focus on other types of sexual intimacy which may remove the pressure one may feel around performing well in intercourse.
Counseling
It is important to speak to a professional such as a sex therapist about the relationship and experiences to help reduce performance anxiety. Counselling can also help find better ways to cope with stress. This can be a great adjunct to medication treatment. It can be done solo or as couple counseling which can help the couple to connect and recapture the intimacy.
Lifestyle Changes
Individuals should try to maintain a healthy balanced diet and regularly exercise to promote overall health. This can help positively impact sexual function and exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Managing stress through yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercise can also help alleviate stress and improve overall well being. Couples should have open honest communication about their concerns and expectations to help reduce anxiety around performance.
Medications
Individuals who may have tried the above may consider medications as form of a premature ejaculation treatment. Such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Priligy which is designed to treat PE. It increases serotonin levels enhancing the control. The other option if SSRIs are not effective, would be to consider tricyclic antidepressants. These medications can have other side effects and it’s essential to consult with a doctor before starting them.
There is some evidence that medications used to treat erectile dysfunction may help with PE especially if used in combo with other medications. Males with concerns regarding ejaculation should consult a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
