Everything You Need to Know About Premature Ejaculation

Did you know that approximately 1 in every three men between the ages of 18 and 59 struggle with premature ejaculation? This is to say that it’s more common than often acknowledged. We understand that you may have questions or concerns, such as: What exactly is premature ejaculation? How can I tell if I have it? What causes it? Can it be treated, and what measures can I take to prevent it? This article will discuss every aspect of this common but frequently overlooked condition.

What is premature ejaculation?

Before discussing how it can be treated or prevented, ignoring some of the science will be wrong. Male ejaculation is the process of discharging semen from the penis during an orgasm. Premature ejaculation (PE), also referred to as early ejaculation, premature climax, or rapid ejaculation, occurs when the man climaxes faster than he or his partner would like. That leads to the question: what is the average length of time to last in bed? The average time for a man to reach orgasm and ejaculate, according to research, is 5-7 minutes. 

There are four different types of premature ejaculation, depending on when and how they present. These include:

Primary or lifelong PE: 

Primary PE begins right from the first time of sexual intercourse. Here, the man ejaculates in one minute or less after penetration. 

Secondary or Acquired PE

This type occurs later in life, not from the first encounter of sexual intercourse. With Secondary PE, the man usually ejaculates not more than 3 minutes after penetration

Natural Variable PE: 

Unlike lifelong or acquired PE, where ejaculation consistently occurs within about one to 3 minutes of vaginal penetration, natural variable PE is marked by instances of normal ejaculation interspersed with episodes of premature ejaculation. 

Subjective PE or premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction

Men with subjective PE typically ejaculate within an average time limit but firmly believe that they ejaculate earlier than they should. 

What are the signs and symptoms of premature ejaculation?

1. Rapid Ejaculation:

   You may be experiencing premature ejaculation if you “come” under 3 minutes after penetration, during foreplay or when trying to insert the penis during sex. 

   
   

2. Inability to Delay Ejaculation: 

   Difficulty in delaying ejaculation during sexual activity. According to this study,  published in the National Library of Medicine, about 4% of men have no control over their ejaculation time

   
   

3. Distress and Frustration: 

   Suppose early ejaculation and inability to control causes personal distress or frustration between sexual partners. It leads to sexual satisfaction for either partner or possibly puts a strain on the relationship; a Doctor medically diagnoses it as premature ejaculation.

Causes of premature climax

There are various reasons for PE; these could be attributed to psychological, physical, genetic, and certain lifestyle behaviours.

Psychological Factors:

• Anxiety and stress: This is one of the most common causes of PE. Prolonged anxiety or stress stimulates the release of certain hormones, such as adrenaline, that can trigger premature climax.

• Depression

• Unrealistic expectations of sex

• Narcissism

• Distorted thinking

• Guilt

• History of sexual abuse

  
  

Biological Factors:

• Hormonal Imbalances: In men who have been diagnosed with premature ejaculation, the hormone serotonin is often low or less active in the section of the brain that regulates ejaculation.  Other hormones like testosterone, estrogen and prolactin can also negatively impact sexual function. 

• Underlying medical condition: Medical conditions like prostatitis, urethritis, diabetes, neurological disorders, erectile dysfunction, and thyroid disorders can lead to premature ejaculation. 

• Genetics

How to treat premature ejaculation 

There are several treatment options for every type or cause of premature ejaculation. These may include:

1. Behavioural Techniques

   Pause and squeeze method: This technique helps to relieve the edge of “coming”. How is it done? You stop and squeeze the tip of the penis where the head meets the shaft, whenever you feel like ejaculating early. 

   Or the Start-stop Method. Here you pause or withdraw the penis from the vagina when you feel like you are about to ejaculate. 

   Condom Use: Using a condom helps reduce the sensitivity of the penis because of the presence of a barrier. This can help delay ejaculation.

   Pre-masturbation: Masturbating before sexual intercourse with your partner may help increase ejaculatory time. 

   
   

2. Counseling and Therapy

   Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Your Healthcare provider may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy addresses negative thoughts that influence patterns and behaviors, including your sexual life. 

   Sex Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on sexual communication and performance anxiety. 

   
   

3. Premature Ejaculation Medications

   After further investigation, your HCP will determine which medications will address your specific needs. Examples of drugs for premature ejaculation include topical creams or sprays to help reduce penis sensitivity.

   Suppose underlying problems like erectile dysfunction, diabetes or thyroid disorders cause PE. Your Doctor will prescribe the proper medications or refer you to a specialist to treat that. Once the underlying condition is well managed, PE will also improve. 

   
   

4. Pelvic Floor Exercise

   Training your muscles for weeks or even months can have significant positive effects. Kegel maneuvers are great for strengthening the pelvic muscles. 

How to prevent premature ejaculation

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by exercising three  times a week, eating a balanced nutritious meal and having adequate sleep helps support your physical and mental well-being, including your sexual health. 

Furthermore, practicing stress management skills like meditation and yoga helps prevent and manage PE. Lastly, regular medical check-ups for both mental and physical health encourage early detection of PE, which is easier to manage. 

Final Words

Premature ejaculation is the most common sexual dysfunction in men. An untreated PE can cause relationship issues, and also make it more challenging to start a family because the sperm may not reach an egg for fertilization. It can also lead to clinical depression, and reduced sex drive or performance. 

Consult your doctor or healthcare provider for a tailored treatment plan today. If you are in Ghana, BerryHealth has an experienced and dedicated team of Doctors, psychologists and advisors to help you overcome premature ejaculation in no time starting with just Ghc 135.