Premature Ejaculation
What is Premature Ejaculation ?
Premature ejaculation occurs in men when semen leaves the body (ejaculates) sooner than wanted during sex. Premature ejaculation is a common sexual complaint. As many as 1 out of 3 people say they have it at some time. Premature ejaculation isn’t a cause for concern if it doesn’t happen often. But you might be diagnosed with premature ejaculation if you always or nearly always ejaculate within 1 to 3 minutes of penetration. Are not able to delay ejaculation during sex, all or nearly all the time. Feel distressed and frustrated, and tend to avoid sexual intimacy as a result. Premature ejaculation is a treatable condition. Medications, counseling, and techniques that delay ejaculation can help improve sex for you and your partner.
Symptoms
- Rapid Ejaculation
- Lack of Control
- Emotional Distress
- Negative Impact on Intimacy
- Performance Anxiety
- Reduced Latency Time
- Psychological erectile dysfunction
- Difficulties in meeting potential sexual partners
- Reduced sexual desire
- Negative self-image
Cause
The exact cause of premature ejaculation isn’t known. It was once thought to be only psychological. But health care providers now know that premature ejaculation involves a complex interaction of psychological and biological factors. Psychological factors that might play a role include early sexual experiences. Sexual abuse. Poor body image. Depression. Worrying about premature ejaculation. Guilty feelings that can cause you to rush through sex. Other factors that can play a role include erectile dysfunction. Being anxious about getting and keeping an erection might form a pattern of rushing to ejaculate. The pattern can be difficult to change. Anxiety. It’s common for premature ejaculation and anxiety to occur together. The anxiety may be about sexual performance or related to other issues. Relationship problems. Relationship issues can contribute to premature ejaculation. This may be true if you’ve had sexual relationships with other partners in which premature ejaculation didn’t happen often. Several biological factors might contribute to premature ejaculation. They may include irregular hormone levels. Irregular levels of brain chemicals. Swelling and infection of the prostate or urethra. Inherited traits.
Risk Factors
Various factors can increase the risk of premature ejaculation. They may include: Erectile dysfunction. You might be at increased risk of premature ejaculation if you have trouble getting or keeping an erection. Fear of losing an erection might cause you to hurry through sex. This may happen whether you’re aware of it or not. Stress. Emotional or mental strain in any area of life can play a role in premature ejaculation. Stress can limit the ability to relax and focus during sex.
When to see a Doctor
Talk with your health care provider if you ejaculate sooner than you wish during most sexual encounters. It’s common to feel embarrassed about discussing sexual health concerns. But don’t let that keep you from talking to your provider. Premature ejaculation is common and treatable. A conversation with a care provider might help lessen concerns. For example, it might be reassuring to hear that it’s typical to experience premature ejaculation from time to time. It may also help to know that the average time from the beginning of intercourse to ejaculation is about five minutes.