Premature ejaculation affects 1 in 3 men. It's defined as a man ejaculating sooner than desired during sexual intercourse. While not always a problem, its frequent occurrence can lead to embarrassment and distress in sexual situations.
Medications for treating premature ejaculation are available through Pharmacy Online and are typically taken before sexual intercourse.
What is premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is a common sexual concern, where semen is ejaculated sooner than desired during sexual activity. It can occur before or shortly after penetration and is often a source of significant emotional distress.
Men with premature ejaculation may experience a range of negative feelings, including frustration, anxiety, and stress during intimate moments, which can further exacerbate the issue. In some cases, these feelings can lead to the avoidance of sexual intimacy altogether.
It's important to understand that this is not just a psychological problem that can be cured with a 'mind over matter' attitude; but a multifaceted issue influenced by a combination of factors. These can include biological aspects such as genetic predisposition, hormonal levels, or certain medical conditions, as well as psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or relationship problems. Additionally, certain lifestyle habits and experiences, including a history of hurried sexual encounters, can also contribute to its development.
The term 'premature' is quite subjective, as there's no set time frame defining premature ejaculation. What matters most is how it affects your sense of well-being and satisfaction in your sexual life. Occasional instances of premature ejaculation are normal, but if it becomes a frequent experience that causes you or your partner distress, it's something to address.
Types of premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It generally falls into two categories, each with distinct characteristics. Understanding the type of premature ejaculation you're experiencing will help not only in pinpointing potential causes, but also the most appropriate treatment strategies, tailored to your specific situation:
- Lifelong premature ejaculation: This type has been a part of your sexual experience from the very beginning. If you've found yourself ejaculating prematurely since your first sexual encounters, it falls under lifelong PE. This form is less common and often more challenging to treat, potentially requiring behavioural therapy with a sex therapist as it's deeply ingrained in your sexual response pattern.
- Acquired premature ejaculation: In contrast with lifelong premature ejaculation, acquired premature ejaculation develops later in life, after a period of normal ejaculatory control. It might happen due to various reasons such as stress, relationship issues, or physical health changes. Identifying the onset of acquired premature ejaculation can provide valuable clues about underlying causes, making it a bit easier to address than lifelong premature ejaculation.
What causes premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation can be caused by a mix of psychological and physical factors:
Psychological causes:
- Emotional disturbances like depression or guilt can interfere with sexual performance. They often impact libido and focus, leading to premature ejaculation.
- Relationship issues including unresolved conflicts or lack of emotional intimacy, may contribute to premature ejaculation. Sexual dynamics are sensitive to the overall health of the relationship.
- Stress and anxiety, particularly concerning sexual performance, can trigger premature ejaculation. It's often a vicious cycle: anxiety leads to premature ejaculation, which in turn increases anxiety.
- Muscle tension, often a physical manifestation of anxiety or stress, can also contribute to premature ejaculation.
- Early sexual experiences shape sexual behaviour. Negative or rushed early experiences may establish a pattern of rapid ejaculation.
- Sensory overload during sexual activity can lead to quicker ejaculation for some individuals, highlighting the complex interplay between the mind and body in sexual function.
Physical causes:
- Neurological conditions that affect the nervous system can disrupt the signals necessary for control over ejaculation.
- Prostate problems, such as prostatitis, can impact ejaculatory control. The prostate plays a key role in ejaculation, and its disorders can disrupt this function.
- Thyroid conditions, either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, can alter sexual function. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and can influence sexual health.
- Recreational drugs can impair judgment, response time, and sexual function, often leading to premature ejaculation.
What are premature ejaculation symptoms
Premature ejaculation varies in its definition and impact depending on you and your sexual partner. Medically, it tends to refer to ejaculation occurring within 60-90 seconds after penetration and is more commonly experienced by younger men or those with fewer sexual encounters.
The main symptom is the inability to delay ejaculation for more than a few minutes, affecting both penetrative sex and masturbation.
However, if you and your partner are satisfied with your sexual experience despite quick ejaculation, there might not be a medical need to seek treatment. It's the level of personal and relational satisfaction, alongside the impact on emotional well-being, that determines the need to treat premature ejaculation.
Diagnosing premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation diagnosis is a comprehensive process that assesses both physical and psychological aspects. It typically involves discussing your sex life, sexual history and specific experiences related to ejaculation and sexual dysfunction. The healthcare professional may ask about the frequency and timing of your ejaculation, your ability to delay ejaculation, and the impact it has on your sexual satisfaction and relationships.
If symptoms like early ejaculation coexist with difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection, your healthcare provider may need to do a physical exam, and/or recommend blood tests to check hormone levels, as hormonal imbalances can influence sexual function. In certain cases, your provider might also suggest consulting a urologist or a mental health professional specialising in sexual disorders.
Medical treatment for premature ejaculation
Various medical treatments are available to treat erectile dysfunction, if you've had premature ejaculation diagnosed. These offer relief and improved control, including topical creams, oral medication, even antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Topical numbing agents
Creams or sprays with anaesthetic properties are applied to the penis to decrease sensitivity. They are to be used shortly before sexual activity and can help delay ejaculation. The effect on sensation varies, and care must be taken to ensure it doesn’t affect the partner’s sensation.
Oral medications
- Pain relievers: Some over-the-counter pain relievers might have a side effect of delaying ejaculation but are not typically prescribed for this purpose.
- Priligy (Dapoxetine): Priligy, available as 60mg film-coated tablets, is a widely used treatment for premature ejaculation. It's a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) specifically designed for this condition. Taken a few hours before sexual activity, Priligy can significantly delay ejaculation, enhancing sexual satisfaction and control.
- Antidepressants (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): Medications like paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine can delay ejaculation. They might take several weeks to show effects and come with side effects like nausea and fatigue.
- Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (such as Viagra, Cialis): While primarily used for erectile dysfunction, these medications can also assist in managing premature ejaculation in some cases.
Common side effects for medical treatments for premature ejaculation
While the treatments for premature ejaculation can be highly effective, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects associated with each method. From topical anesthetics to oral medications, each treatment option comes with its own set of considerations. Understanding these side effects will help you make an informed decision about the most suitable approach to control ejaculation.
Topical anesthetics:
Reduced sensitivity in the penis, leading to a decrease in sexual pleasure; potential numbness in your partner (if not used with a condom).
Oral medications:
Antidepressants (SSRIs, etc.): Nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, and less commonly, sexual dysfunction.
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (such as Viagra, Cialis): Headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal congestion, back pain, and in rare cases, changes in vision.
