Ejaculation occurs when a man reaches sexual climax and semen is ejected from
his penis.
Premature Ejaculation is:
- Ejaculation occurs before the man wishes it to occur.
- Ejaculation occurs too quickly to sexually satisfy his partner.
Causes
Many men experience
premature Ejaculation at one time or another. For
example, some men experience it after not having had sex for a long period of
time. Premature ejaculation is only a problem when it becomes a persistent
condition. Persistent
Premature Ejaculation usually results from a man's
inability to recognize that he is about to ejaculate. (Ejaculation occurs
automatically after a certain degree of sexual stimulation.) This inability
prevents him from taking steps to delay the process.
Psychological factors that may contribute include:
- Guilt about sex
- Fear of causing pregnancy
- Fear of getting a sexually transmitted disease
- Concerns about sexual performance
- Interpersonal difficulties between sexual partners
- Early sexual experiences that condition a man to rapid ejaculation. This
includes fear of being caught having sex.
In rare cases,
Premature Ejaculation can be caused by:
- Prostate problems, such as prostatitis
- A neurological problem
- Medications that increase sexual stimulation
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or
condition.
- Lack of sexual experience
- Lack of knowledge of male and female sexual responses
- Fear of:
- Causing pregnancy
- Contracting a sexually transmitted disease
- Poor sexual performance
- Interpersonal problems between sexual partner
- Early sexual experiences that pre-condition a man to rapid ejaculation
Symptoms
The primary symptom is persistent episodes of
Premature Ejaculation
during sex. Secondary symptoms may include:
- Feelings of guilt, inadequacy, or self-doubt
- New or increased interpersonal problems with a sexual partner
Diagnosis
Most men experiencing
Premature Ejaculation will notice the condition
themselves. If you see a doctor about the condition, the doctor will ask about
your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
The doctor may search for an underlying medical cause if:
- You suddenly developed persistent premature ejaculation and have never
experienced it before.
- You have other neurological symptoms.
- You are taking medication that may cause premature ejaculation.
Treatment
Treatments may include:
Behavior Therapy
This aims to improve your ability to:
- Recognize when you are about to ejaculate
- Take steps to delay it
It may include:
Start and Stop Method – stopping sexual stimulation for 30 seconds
when nearing climax, then resuming.
Squeeze Method – same as start and stop method, but includes gently
squeezing the base of penis before the 30-second stop period.
Biofeedback – electrical feedback that helps you learn to control the
muscles that cause ejaculation.
Sexual Positions – trying different sexual positions that may allow
greater control over the muscles that cause ejaculation.
Psychological Counseling
Counseling may be offered for an individual or for a couple. It is aimed at
identifying and treating:
- Fears or guilt
- Interpersonal problems with your partner that may contribute to the
condition
Medication
In rare cases, a doctor may prescribe low doses of anti-depressant medication or
desensitizing creams to lessen sexual stimulation. These drugs do not cure the
underlying cause. They may, however, reduce secondary symptoms. Use of these
drugs can sometimes lessen your enjoyment of sex.