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Premature ejaculation is when you ejaculate earlier than you or your partner would like, generally before or just after sexual penetration. It happens when there is limited sexual stimulation, and it often results in unsatisfactory sex for both partners. This, in turn, can lead to anxiety or negatively affect your relationship.
Premature ejaculation is one of the most common types of sexual dysfunction. Most men have experienced it, and about 1 in 3 men will have problems with premature ejaculation at some point in their lives.
Doctors haven't pinpointed the exact causes of premature ejaculation. However, feelings of anxiety, guilt, stress, or depression can make it worse. This condition is most often thought to be psychological, although it may involve a mix of psychological and medical factors.
Possible psychological causes include:
Possible medical causes include:
This condition is indicated by uncontrolled ejaculation that happens before you expect it to or after little sexual stimulation.
Your doctor will ask you detailed questions about your medical history. Your answers may tell the doctor whether a medication change or lifestyle habit could be contributing to your condition. If your doctor suspects that your condition has a medical cause, they may order lab tests to uncover the cause.
While discussing your medical history, your doctor may also ask detailed questions about your sexual history. This helps them determine what may be causing the problem so that they're better positioned to recommend treatment.
Typically, this conditions bets better over time with age and experience. Treatment isn't always necessary. Lifestyle changes, counseling, and medication may be useful depending on the causes of your issue.
Reducing the use of alcohol, quitting smoking, and avoiding illegal drugs can help you improve control. Relaxation techniques and distraction methods may also help you delay ejaculation.
Your doctor or a therapist can recommend several techniques, such as the squeeze method and the stop-start method. These involve your partner bringing you close to climax and then stopping until the urge passes. You can begin to recognize the sensations that lead to climax and control them to delay your ejaculation.
Individual or couple's counseling can help you and your partner learn to use different techniques to delay ejaculation. A counselor or doctor may recommend trying different positions and communicating with your partner leading up to an orgasm to slow or stop stimulation.
Counseling can also aid you in reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression, along with stress directly caused by premature ejaculation.
Some antidepressants can prevent or slow an orgasm, which helps combat premature ejaculation. Your doctor may prescribe one of these medications and provide guidance on how to take it.
Your doctor may also recommend certain creams, gels, sprays, or wipes that lessen sensation. Often, these products are meant for topical pain relief, and they can cause your partner to feel reduced sensation as well. It's best to use them 20-30 minutes before sex and wash them off before penetration.
Wearing a condom can also help dull the sensation and may improve sexual function.
