Premature Ejaculation: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Treatment
Several sexual health problems affect men of all ages, and premature ejaculation (PE) is one of these. This disorder occurs when a man is unable to control his ejaculation, typically affecting relationships and quality of life.
Premature ejaculation treatments save an individual from feelings of depression, anxiety, and frustration. However, proper awareness, education, and early diagnosis can help in regaining confidence and control over one’s sexual health.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about premature ejaculation, its causes, symptoms, and the various treatment options to help overcome this condition.
What Is Premature Ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation occurs when a man has difficulty controlling his ejaculation, resulting in orgasm happening sooner than desired, usually within a minute or two of penetration or even before that.
While sexual excitement can cause a man to ejaculate quickly, and there is no limited time that you take to experience orgasm, you know it is premature when it occurs within one minute of your penis penetrating your partner, and all the time.
PE may also occur during foreplay; if it happens occasionally, it may be normal, and you should not worry about it. However, regularly coming earlier during sex or foreplay is an issue of concern.
Premature ejaculation can develop or persist for too long until it becomes a part of a person’s life. It happens more in younger males than older ones, who take longer to ejaculate during sex.
What Causes Premature Ejaculation?
There have been no proven causes related to why men experience premature ejaculation. But there are several reasons why early ejaculation occurs, including emotional, chemical, or biological factors. Some distinct causes of premature ejaculation are linked to the following:
Serotonin
Serotonin, a chemical stimulated by nerves, regulates sleep, emotions, sexual desires, and mood. According to research, it is discovered that low serotonin levels in the brain may contribute to premature ejaculation, while higher levels may help to delay it. The effect of his chemical on ejaculation timing showcases the complex interaction between sexual function and neurotransmitters.
Psychological Issues
Premature ejaculation may also occur as a result of mental or psychological problems, including;
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Anxiety
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Relationship issues
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Low enthusiasm
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Stress
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Depression
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Guilt
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Problems related to sexual repression
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Idealistic anticipation of intercourse
Other causes include:
Age-Related Factor
When a man ejaculates early, age might not be the direct cause, as this can happen to males of any age. Erectile dysfunction might be an underlying reason for premature ejaculation, which is usually predominant in older men. This erection problem might occur when the serum testosterone levels drop.
Even if you have an erection, it may not be as firm or big as it used to be during your youthful years. The time frame for your erect penis may also be shorter before ejaculation happens. They may be shorter, causing ejaculation to occur too soon.
Less Connection With Partner
If you are not emotionally or mentally in sync with your sexual partner, maybe due to anger, shame, or anxiety level, it could lead to premature ejaculation. This might even affect your partner as much as it affects you, making them feel hurt or emotionally detached.
Symptoms of Premature Ejaculation
Here are common symptoms of premature ejaculation:
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Ejaculating as Soon as You Penetrate Your Partner: You have a problem if you ejaculate within one to three minutes of foreplay or penetration.
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Inability to Slow Down Ejaculation: If you cannot delay ejaculation during sex, you likely have erectile dysfunction or just premature ejaculation.
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Distress and frustration: Feelings of frustration and worries can lead to sexual avoidance, making sexual intimacy less functional and premature ejaculation challenging to overcome.
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Fear of Early Ejaculation: Having performance anxiety can lead to early ejaculation.
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Feelings of Inadequacy: Negative feelings concerning your sexual insecurities and inadequacy can also be a sign that you have PE.
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Loss of Sexual Intimacy: Frequent premature ejaculation, bringing about loss of intimacy with your partner.
What Are the Treatments for Premature Ejaculation?
Treating premature ejaculation depends on what has caused it to occur in the first place. You can get treated through counseling, medications, and even home remedies. Here are some treatment options:
Treatment Through Self-care Practices
You can try out self-care at home to reduce symptoms of premature ejaculation, including:
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Wearing a condom during sexual intercourse to minimize sensation
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Masturbating ahead of sexual performance
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Breathing in and out briefly to shut down the reflex that comes with premature ejaculation.
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Attempting different positions that are less arousing, to help you last longer
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Doing other things instead of
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thinking about other things other than sex.
Treatment Through Medicines
You can use some medications to treat premature ejaculation. Without needing a prescription, your local pharmacy can offer you anesthetic. Spray it on the tip of your penis for some minutes before having sex. Also, follow instructions before using the spray, and understand your partner might also experience a temporary reduction in sensation.
Aside from the spray, your doctor can prescribe medications like phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, antidepressants, and pain relievers to treat premature ejaculation and restore control over PE.
Potential Treatment for Premature Ejaculation
A study shows that some drugs could help treat premature ejaculation. However, more investigation is required to ascertain this. The drugs include:
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Silodosin (Rapaflo) helps treat prostate gland enlargement.
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Modafinil (Provigil) is used to treat narcolepsy and sleeping disorders.
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OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) is currently being assessed by researchers who are trying to prove that injecting the Botox into muscles can treat premature ejaculation.
Counseling
You can seek a counseling session with a psychologist or a sex therapist to help you fix premature ejaculation and other sexual issues. Sexual, psychological, or relationship problems that may contribute to the dysfunction are gradually revealed and addressed by an expert to ensure inner healing.
Counseling can also help improve your mental health and reduce anxiety. You can use couples therapy to your advantage by attending the sessions with your partner. This enables effective communication, allowing you to work through issues related to premature ejaculation together.
Conclusion
Premature ejaculation is quite common, but it does not have to control your life. When you understand the problem, getting the support and treatment you need to regain your confidence and improve your intimate relationships will be easy. You can address the problem from the root cause and overcome it to enhance overall well-being.