Premature ejaculation: causes, symptoms, treatment

Premature ejaculation is a common enough condition. According to Urology Care Foundation, one in three men suffer from premature ejaculation.

Ejaculation refers to the release of semen from the body through the penis. Ejaculation is controlled by the central nervous system which signals the male reproductive organs to release semen. 

It takes place in two phases: emission and expulsion.

Emission occurs when sperm move from the testicles through tubes known as vasa deferentia and into the prostate. Here the sperm mix with seminal fluid to make semen. From the prostrate semen moves to the base of the penis.

Expulsion takes place when the muscles at the base of the penis contract forcing semen out of the penis. Most men ejaculate and climax at the same time although you can climax without ejaculation. After climax, the erection usually goes away.

What is premature ejaculation?

When the release of semen occurs faster than you or your partner would like, it is known as premature ejaculation (PE).

According to Healthline, PE is quite common with about one in three men experiencing it. 

It is also known as rapid ejaculation, early ejaculation or premature climax.

While it isn’t a cause to worry, PE might cause problems in your relationship leading to frustration. It is then that you should seek the help of your caregiver. At Prestige Home Health Care we work with patients to provide the best ways to deal with premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction

PE is a type of sexual dysfunction since it prevents couples from fully enjoying sex. 

However, it is sometimes confused with erectile dysfunction and this is not the case. Erectile dysfunction (ED), explains the Urology Care Foundation, occurs when a man is unable to get or maintain an erection long enough for sex. The confusion comes about because in both cases the erection goes away. 

If you suspect that you have erectile dysfunction or you are not sure if it is ED or PE, consult one of our doctors. In most cases, once erectile dysfunction is treated, issues of premature ejaculation are resolved.

Causes

PE may be a result of psychological or emotional issues. 

Psychological causes

Psychological or mental health issues may cause premature ejaculation. These include:

• stress
• guilt
• lack of self-confidence
• depression
• relationship problems
• unrealistic expectations on sexual performance
• worrying about ejaculating early
• limited sexual experience
• history of sexual abuse either as the perpetrator or victim can lead to PE

Speaking to a mental health professional can help address these psychological issues, therefore resolve premature ejaculation.

Age

Premature ejaculation can happen at any age. However, age can bring about change to erections and ejaculations. Older men might not get firm or large enough erections. The erection may fail to last until ejaculation occurs. Older men may feel ejaculation is about to occur sooner than expected. As a result, an older man may ejaculate rapidly.

Erectile dysfunction

When you suffer from ED, you might rush through sex so that you can complete it before you lose your erection. This can lead to premature ejaculation.

Hormonal deficiencies

Unusual levels of hormones like testosterone or neurotransmitters aka serotonin (chemicals produced by the nerves) may contribute to PE. When you have high amounts of serotonin you can delay ejaculation. Consequently, low amounts of serotonin can reduce the time to ejaculation resulting in PE.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of PE is being unable to delay ejaculation for more than a minute after penetration during sexual intercourse. It also results in rapid climax during masturbation. 

If you suspect that you are suffering from premature ejaculation, speak to one of our doctors. Questions they will ask:

• How long have you been sexually active?
• When did you first notice PE?
• How frequently does PE occur?
• Does PE occur at all sexual encounters or just some?
• Is there anything (drugs or alcohol) that aggravates PE?
• How long before you ejaculate?
• What sexual activity do you take part in?
• How are your personal relationships?

Treatment

PE can be lifelong or acquired. Lifelong PE means you’ve experienced premature ejaculation since your earliest sexual experience. Acquired PE means you have had longer-lasting ejaculations but have developed PE.

If you occasionally have episodes of PE, you shouldn’t worry. A few home remedies can help you overcome premature ejaculation. If it occurs over an extended period, seek the help of a doctor who will recommend the best course of treatment.

• Psychological therapy

Psychological therapy aims to get to the root cause of PE. In this form of treatment, you speak to a therapist (sex therapist or couple’s therapist), work through your emotions and feelings. This can help boost your confidence, get rid of nerves, training your mind to relax will go a long way in recovering from PE.

As a couple, you get the chance to speak about relationship. You then learn how to better satisfy your partner and help you grow closer as a couple.

• Behavioural therapy

This treatment helps delay ejaculation thus helping you perform better. 

The start-and-stop method

The goal of the start-and-stop method helps build resistance. You and your partner stimulate your penis. When you’re just about to climax, you or your partner stops until the feeling eases off. Once you’re in control again, you start stimulating your penis again. Repeat this process three times and you can ejaculate on the fourth. To gain more control, do this three times a week.

The squeeze method

The squeeze method aims to help you familiarize yourself with the sensations just before you climax. Like the start and stop method, you and your partner stimulate your penis. When you are close to ejaculation, you or your partner squeeze your penis firmly until the erection begins to weaken. The more you do this, the more control you will gain.

• Reduce sensitivity

Reducing sensitivity during intercourse can help you maintain an erection longer. To reduce sensitivity and thus premature ejaculation, wear a condom.

You can also apply a numbing cream 15 minutes before sex. This will dull the nerves in the penis making it less sensitive. Before applying a numbing cream, consult our doctors.

• Medical therapy

If none of the above methods works in the treatment of premature ejaculation, consult our doctors on medication that you can use.

A combination of behavioural, psychological and medical therapy can help in the management of PE. You can get the best treatment options at Prestige Home Health Care.

With treatment, 95 out of 100 men usually recover from premature ejaculation.