Advanced Centre For Premature Ejaculation at Fortis Hospital Bangalore

All you need to know about premature ejaculation

Ejaculatory dysfunction or premature ejaculation is a curable and a common condition found among 1 in 3 men. Most men remain too nervous or feel uncomfortable talking about it. In this condition, the men ejaculate sooner in a sexual act than expected by him or his partner. The cause of this happening can be both biological and psychological.  

Following are the precursors of having a problem of premature ejaculation:

• If you happen to ejaculate within one minute of penetration
• If you are unable to delay ejaculation during intercourse most of the time
• If you feel upset and angry, and tend to avoid sexual interactions

All this is easily treatable. Besides medications, ejaculation can also be delayed through certain sexual techniques and some amount of counseling.

Causes

Premature ejaculation happens due to a complex interaction between psychological and biological factors. Hence, its exact cause is not known.

Common physical causes include

• Prostate gland problems
• thyroid gland problems – an overactive or underactive thyroid gland
• use of recreational drugs

Psychological causes

Psychological causes that might contribute include:

• Early sexual experiences
• Sexual abuse
• Poor body image
• Depression
• Performance anxiety
• Feeling of guilt

Other factors:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Sexual or other anxiety issues
• Relationship problems

Biological Causes

Biological causes that contribute include:

• Changing hormonal levels
• Changing levels of brain chemicals
• Inflammation and infection of the prostate or urethra
• Inherited traits

Symptoms

The main symptom is ejaculation happening within a minute of penetration. It can also occur during masturbation. Premature ejaculation can be categorized into two types:

• Lifelong (primary) – In this type, you suffer from premature ejaculation right from the beginning of your first sexual encounter.


• Acquired (secondary) – In this type, premature ejaculation is observed later in life post normal sexual encounters.

Many men suspect themselves of having all the above symptoms, however, they end up not meeting the diagnostic norms defined for it. Such men tend to have natural variable premature ejaculations that include periods of both rapid and normal ejaculations.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is generally done basis on discussion with the doctor about your sexual health history and a physical exam. If you suffer from both premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction then the doctor might ask you to undergo a blood test to check your testosterone hormonal level. Some cases can be resolved by seeking help from an experienced urologist or a psychologist who specializes in sexual disorders.

Treatment

A host of treatment options can be considered while treating a premature ejaculation. With some time, you will be able to understand which treatment or a combination of treatment is working for you. Following are the treatment options one can consider:

• Behavioral techniques
• Pelvic floor exercises
• The pause-squeeze technique
• Condoms
• Medications

Behavioral techniques

Behavioral technique of masturbating an hour or two before the sexual intercourse will assist you in delaying the ejaculation. Focusing on foreplay or other sexual intimacy before instead of sexual intercourse can also assist in reducing the mental pressure of performance.

Pelvic floor exercises

Ability to delay ejaculation can be impaired by weak pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) helps to strengthen these muscles.
 
These exercises can be performed as follows:

• Pelvic floor muscles regulate movements like stopping urination in midstream or tightening the muscles that keep you from passing gas. Once you have identified them, you can start these exercises by lying down on the floor followed by trying to do it in any position.
• The first step is to tighten your pelvic floor muscles, then contract your muscles and hold them for three seconds followed by relaxation for three seconds. Try doing it multiple times in a row.
• Ensure to breathe freely during these exercises and develop a reflex for doing it.
• You can target at least three sets of 10 repetitions a day.

The pause-squeeze technique

This method works as follows: When the man feels the urge to ejaculate in between a sexual activity, the partner can help by squeezing the end of the man’s penis. The female needs to keep squeezing the end of the penis until her partner loses the urge to ejaculate. The process can be repeated whenever necessary.
 
If the pause-squeeze technique is painful or uncomfortable, then try another technique of preventing sexual stimulation just before the ejaculation. Wait till you don’t feel aroused at all. Then start again. This technique is called stop-start technique.

Condoms

Climax control condoms containing numbing agents like benzocaine or lidocaine can be used to delay ejaculation. They reduce the penile sensitivity helping in delaying ejaculation.

Medications

Your doctor might suggest various topical and oral medications to prevent early ejaculation. These can be combined with one or more treatments.

Last words

Premature ejaculation can make you feel helpless, anxious, angry, ashamed and upset. However, proper sexual counseling and talking with your spouse about the problem candidly can go a long way in finding a solution to this treatable condition.