Premature ejaculation is a form of sexual dysfunction that affects an estimated 30% to 40% of American men at some point during their life. Premature ejaculation occurs when a man has an orgasm and ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like. Treatments for premature ejaculation include behavior techniques, exercises, and medications such as Sertraline. In this article we answer the questions what is premature ejaculation and what causes premature ejaculation.
Premature ejaculation is a form of sexual dysnfunction that occurs when a man has an orgasm and ejaculates semen sooner than he or his partner would like. It often happens within seconds or a minute of penetration during intercourse.
Not everyone who experiences premature ejaculation has a history of sexual difficulty. Premature ejaculation can be diagnosed at many points during a man's life. It is common for a man to believe he has difficulty with premature ejaculation, but not meet the criteria for diagnosis.
According to the American Urological Association, premature ejaculation is the most comon type of sexual dysfunction in men. It is estimated that between 30% and 40% of men experience premature ejaculation at some point during their life. Most men who experience premature ejaculation do not have frequent issues with sexual perforamnce.
The underlying cause of premature ejaculation was once thought to be purely psychological, but in recent years, doctors have identified other possibilities. Premature ejaculation may be caused by psychological factors such as depression and anxiety, erectile dysfunction, relationship problems, issues with physical actions, or biological causes.
Not all cases of premature ejaculation are the same. Premature ejaculation can be a lifelong condition, or it can be acquired after years of normal sexual intercourse. Cases of premature ejaculation may also be situational, where a man’s ability to last is dependent on situations or partners.
Many underlying causes of premature ejaculation are tied to physical health. These physical factors include:
Some triggers of premature ejaculation may be mental or psychological. Negative or uncomfortable sexual experiences can lead to anxiety and premature ejaculation. The following factors may play a role in premature ejaculation:
A number of biological factors may contribute to premature ejaculation. These include:
The time frame of premature ejaculation is a heavily debated topic. Ejaculation can be deemed premature if it occurs anytime before penetration or within four minutes of penetration in some cases. There are three different levels of severity of premature ejaculation: mild, moderate, and severe.
Mild: A case of premature ejaculation may be considered mild if ejaculation occurs approximately 30 seconds to two minutes after penetration.
Moderate: In moderate cases of premature ejaculation, a man usually orgasms between 15 and 30 seconds after penetration.
Severe: Severe accounts of premature ejaculation involve orgasming before the start of sexual activity, or within 15 seconds of penetration.
Common options for preventing premature ejaculation include behavioral techniques, medications, and counseling. Certain exercises for the pelvis and buttox may also be helpful. In most cases, a combination of medication and exercise is the best treatment for premature ejaculation.
Behavioral Techniques
In many cases, changes in behavior or routine can aid in preventing premature ejaculation. Masturbating shortly before sex can be useful in helping to delay orgasm during penetration. Restraining from sex and instead focusing on other sensual and sexual activities can also be helpful.
Pelvic Exercises
The pelvic muscles help support the bladder, bowels, and genitals. To identify and engage your pelvic muscles, stop urination midstream or tighten the muscles that keep you from passing gas. These are everyday maneuvers that utilize the pelvic floor muscles. Increasing control of the pelvic muscles can be a practical means to control and avoid overstimulation and premature ejaculation.
Condoms
Condoms may decrease sexual sensation and thus delay ejaculation. Climax control or extended pleasure condoms are specifically designed to decrease sensation and prolong orgasm. These condoms contain numbing agents like lidocaine to delay ejaculation.
Premature Ejaculation Diagnosis
It is typical for a man to have some control of when he orgasms during sexual activity. When premature ejaculation interferes with sexual pleasure, it may be time to seek a professional diagnosis. Premature ejaculation can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider or doctor. A diagnosis may perform physical exams, blood tests, and or ask questions like the following:
The neurotransmitter serotonin plays a key role in the ejaculatory process. Consistent use of antidepressants that decrease serotonin has been shown to delay ejaculation in some cases. A popular and effective medication that helps treat premature ejaculation is sertraline. Sertraline is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Although sertraline is commonly used to work as an antidepressant, it can also help men experiencing premature ejaculation.
Certain numbing creams or sprays can help desesitize the penis before sex. Numbing agents should be applied about 20 to 30 minutes before sex, but removed before the beginning of sexual activity.
Premature ejaculation is a condition that occurs when a man orgasms and ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like. It is the most common type of sexual dysfunction in men, affecting almost half of American men at some point during their life.
Premature ejaculation can be treated through changes in behavior, pelvic exercises, mental health treatment, or prescriptions such as sertraline. It may be triggered by biological, psychological, or physical factors.