No man wants to ejaculate sooner during sex as it can cause distress to them as well as their partner. Men want to last long in bed, and if they ejaculate sooner than they wanted, then this condition is termed - Premature Ejaculation. Premature ejaculation is one of the most common sexual concerns among men, affecting millions worldwide.
The condition is a prevalent sexual dysfunction affecting men of all ages. It can lead to distress and interpersonal difficulties. Read this blog for a detailed understanding of the symptoms, causes, and available treatments that are crucial for managing this condition effectively.
Premature ejaculation is primarily defined by the inability to control ejaculation, leading to it occurring sooner than desired during sexual activity. The key symptoms include:
Ejaculation within One Minute of Penetration:
Premature Ejaculation is a condition that can be identified when a person ejaculates within one minute of an intercourse session. The time could be less or slightly more, but a rapid ejaculation is a clear indicator that a person is dealing with the condition.
Inability to Delay Ejaculation:
Men with PE struggle to delay ejaculation during intercourse, even with a conscious effort to control it. This lack of control can occur in all or nearly all sexual encounters.
Distress and Frustration:
The quick ejaculation leads to personal distress, frustration, and often embarrassment. This distress can affect self-esteem and contribute to anxiety about future sexual encounters.
Reduced Sexual Satisfaction:
Both the individual and their partner may experience reduced satisfaction from sexual activities due to premature ejaculation, potentially leading to relationship issues.
Performance Anxiety: Anxiety about sexual performance, particularly the fear of ejaculating too quickly, can create anxiety.
Stress and Depression: Mental health issues such as stress and depression can lead to sexual dysfunction and contribute to PE. The emotional strain reduces the ability to relax and enjoy sexual activity.
Relationship Issues: Tension, poor communication, and unresolved conflicts with a partner can contribute to PE. Relationship stress can increase anxiety and reduce sexual satisfaction.
Lack of Sexual Experience: Inexperienced sexual activity can lead to quick ejaculation. Over time, as individuals become more familiar with their sexual responses, they may gain better control.
Hormonal Imbalances: Abnormal levels of hormones that regulate sexual function, such as testosterone, can lead to PE. Hormonal imbalances can affect sexual desire.
Genetic Factors: There may be genetic factors leading to PE, with some men inheriting a tendency for sooner ejaculation.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) or erectile dysfunction (ED), can cause or exacerbate PE. Treating these underlying conditions can sometimes improve PE symptoms.
Premature ejaculation treatment involves a multifaceted approach, combining behavioral techniques, medications, psychological counseling, and lifestyle changes.
The "Stop-Start" Method: This technique involves stimulating the penis until the point of ejaculation, then stopping all stimulation to allow the release level to decrease. This process is repeated several times before ejaculation, helping to build control over time.
The "Squeeze" Technique: When the sensation of impending ejaculation occurs, the partner can squeeze the head of the penis for a few seconds until the urge to release semen goes down. This can be repeated multiple times during intercourse to delay ejaculation.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises like Kegels can improve ejaculatory control. This activity can also be performed for premature ejaculation treatment.
Topical Anesthetics: Creams or sprays containing numbing agents such as lidocaine or prilocaine can be applied to the penis before intercourse to reduce sensation and delay ejaculation.
Oral Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like paroxetine, sertraline, or fluoxetine, commonly used to treat depression, can also help delay ejaculation. These medications are usually taken daily or on an as-needed basis.
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors: Medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis), typically used for treating erectile dysfunction, can help manage PE by improving overall sexual function.
Pelvic Floor Treatment: Tightening pelvic floor muscles also helps to improve premature ejaculation. An experienced pelvic floor physiotherapist can treat pelvic pain to reduce pain and gain massive benefits.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy addresses negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to PE. CBT can help reduce performance anxiety and build confidence in sexual performance.
Sex Therapy: Working with a sex therapist can address psychological issues, improve communication with a partner, and develop strategies for managing PE.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can improve overall health, reduce stress, and improve sexual performance. Exercise also promotes better blood flow, which can support erectile function.
Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports hormonal balance and overall well-being. Foods that promote cardiovascular health, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can benefit sexual function.
Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety, which are often linked to PE. Reducing stress levels can lead to better sexual control and satisfaction.
Premature Ejaculation is a common condition but needs attention to make you and your partner have a happy relationship. With the right diagnosis and understanding of the condition, effective treatment for Premature Ejaculation can be done.
Men can achieve better control over ejaculation and improve their sexual relationships by seeking professional advice from reputed doctors like Dr. Leena Daware. She is a highly skilled pelvic floor physiotherapist with more than 25 years of clinical experience in treating pelvic pain and numerous sexual health issues.
Also read: How Men's Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Improve Quality of Life
