Premature Ejaculation

What is Premature ejaculation (PE)

Premature ejaculation (PE), also known as rapid ejaculation, premature climax, or early ejaculation, is a common sexual problem. About 1 in 3 men between the ages of 18-59 experience PE at some point in their lives.

The duration of sex can vary, with couples deciding how long is right for them. So, there isn’t a correct amount of time that a man takes to climax. If you and your partner feel satisfied with the sex you share, then you have nothing to worry about. But medically, PE is defined as climaxing within two minutes of penetrative sex or before the woman has a chance to orgasm.

If you feel you climax too soon in around half or more sexual attempts, or if you feel you ejaculate without a sense of control, then you could consider seeking treatment.

What are some common characteristics of early ejaculation?

Men with PE may:

• Consistently ejaculate within 1 to 3 minutes of penetration
• Feel distressed and frustrated about their ejaculation
• Avoid sexual intimacy because of their PE

Ejaculation: how does it work?

The physiology of ejaculation is a complex process that involves the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. When a man is sexually aroused, the brain sends signals to the spinal cord, which then sends signals to the nerves that control the muscles of the penis. These muscles contract to force semen out of the penis.

What are the types of PE?

There are mainly two types of rapid ejaculation, primary and secondary. Primary PE is when a man has always ejaculated too quickly, from his first sexual experience. Secondary PE is when a man develops the problem of ejaculating too early later in life.

Can PE be treated?

Yes, PE or early ejaculation is treatable. There are many different treatments available, including medications, counseling, and techniques to delay ejaculation or a combination of both.

Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help to delay ejaculation. Counseling can help to address any psychological factors that may be contributing to PE, such as anxiety or depression.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7851481/

https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/premature-ejaculation

PE is rarely a problem with your penis. Most of the factors affecting PE are not physical at all. You may find that you are more likely to ejaculate early if you:

• Are experiencing a rough patch in your relationship.
• Have anxiety about your ability to sexually satisfy your partner.
• Are under a lot of stress.
• Have depression or mental illness.
• Are using recreational drugs or have been drinking.
• Your penis is more sensitive than average.
• PE is more common in younger men or men with less sexual experience. But most men experience PE at
• some point in their lives and this is quite normal.

Sometimes, PE can be the result of more complex psychological reasons. For example:

• However, frequent PE can suggest an underlying health condition such as:
• You were sexually abused.
• You associate sex with shame because of a religious or conservative upbringing.
• You may have been caught masturbating or had a similar humiliating sexual experience.
• find it more difficult to take your time.
• As a teenager, you may have taught yourself to climax quickly to avoid being caught masturbating and now
• Prostate problems
• Thyroid issues

So, it’s important to seek treatment to rule out a potential health condition.

Treatment for primary and secondary PE

The treatment for primary and secondary PE is similar. Medications such as SSRIs and PDE5 inhibitors can be used to delay ejaculation. Therapy can help men to identify and address the psychological factors that may be contributing to their PE.

Lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can also help to improve sexual performance.

If you are struggling with Premature climax, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you to identify the underlying cause of your PE and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

There are also two other types of PE: natural variable PE and subjective PE.

1. Natural variable PE is when a man's time to ejaculate (IELT) is sometimes short and sometimes long. This is normal, and it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with him.
   
   
2. Subjective PE is when a man feels like he ejaculates too quickly, even if his time to ejaculate is normal. This is caused by psychological stress and unrealistic expectations. Worrying about ejaculating prematurely can lead to performance anxiety and make it more difficult to control ejaculation.

What can you do about subjective PE?

• Talk to your partner about your concerns.
• Educate yourself about rapid ejaculation and learn relaxation techniques.
• Seek professional help if needed.
• Learn about the normal range for ejaculation time. (avg 5-7 mins normal).
• Don't compare yourself to other men or unrealistic standards portrayed in pornography.
• Subjective PE is when a man feels like he ejaculates too quickly, even if his time to ejaculate is normal. This is because he has unrealistic expectations about how long he should be able to last.

It's important to remember that you're not alone. Many men experience PE at some point in their lives. With the right support, you can learn to manage your rapid ejaculation and enjoy a fulfilling sex life.

Both natural variable PE and subjective PE can be distressing for men, even though they are not considered to be sexual dysfunctions. If you are concerned about your sexual function, it is important to talk to your doctor.

When should I seek help for PE?

If early ejaculation (PE) is a persistent problem and is causing you or your partner stress or worry, you should seek help from a healthcare provider.

Remember, you are not alone. PE is a common problem, and there is help available.

The mains symptom of PE is ejaculating too quickly during sexual activity.

Men with PE may:

• Consistently ejaculate within 1 to 3 minutes of penetration
• Feel distressed and frustrated about their ejaculation
• Avoid sexual intimacy because of their PE

We have gathered some of the most commonly asked questions on premature ejaculation below.