Understanding Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is the most prevalent type of sexual dysfunction among men. It is a common condition that affects between 30 to 40% of men

A man with this dysfunction will experience an orgasm and ejaculate semen prematurely or sooner than expected, typically before or shortly after penetration during intercourse, leaving the couple feeling dissatisfied.

Causes of Premature Ejaculation

Causes of premature ejaculation are multifactorial. They include physical and chemical issues such as erectile dysfunction and hormonal problems that impact sexual performance.

Other causes include low levels of serotonin or dopamine (chemicals in the brain), prostate problems, thyroid problems, penis that is extremely sensitive to stimulation, sexual performance anxiety, stress, relationship problems, psychological issues such as depression and past traumatic sexual experience.

Certain medications, illegal drug use, and smoking can also cause premature ejaculation.

Diagnosis of Premature Ejaculation

Your doctor will ask you questions about your personal and sexual life such as how long this issue has been bothering you; what conditions led to this happening; how frequently it occurs; does every attempt at sexual activity result in premature ejaculation; do you have any medical conditions; are you taking any medications.

Lab tests such as blood or urine tests will be performed to rule out any physical problems.

Treatment for Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is often treatable with a few simple actions. Although it may be unpleasant to discuss sexual problems openly, it is important that you see your urologist or other doctors if you are experiencing premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation can be treated by:

Premature ejaculation medicine

Medicines include antidepressants to help delay premature ejaculation; anaesthetic (numbing) creams and sprays applied to the head and shaft of the penis to reduce stimulation and delay ejaculation; and erectile dysfunction medications.

Behavioural therapy

Behavioural therapy involves various strategies to delay orgasm. The ‘start-and-stop’ technique involves you or your partner stimulating your penis towards the verge of orgasm, then stopping the stimulation for around 30 seconds until you regain control of your response. Repeat this a few times before allowing yourself to orgasm.

In squeeze therapy, you or your partner stimulates your penis close to the point of orgasm before gently squeezing the head of your penis for around 30 seconds, causing you to lose your erection. Repeat this approach several times before allowing yourself to orgasm.

Distracted thinking approach aims to make you focus on nonsexual things while you are being sexually stimulated.

Counselling

A session with a psychologist, psychiatrist, couples’ therapist, or sex therapist may help you address the psychological, emotional, or relationship issues that are causing your premature ejaculation.

Prevention of Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation can be prevented when you quit smoking, take your prescribed medications, seek counselling if needed, and increase the frequency of sex (either intercourse or masturbation).

Make an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

You should make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience premature ejaculations frequently or if they are negatively impacting your relationship and causing you to feel anxious or depressed.

If you want to know more premature ejaculation or other treatments related to men’s health, get in touch with us to find out more about our Urology Services at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.

You may also contact the Health Screening Centre at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital for health screening appointments.