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:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for premature ejaculation include:
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 precondition 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.
The condition is getting much worse or causing severe problems for you.
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:
Biofeedback—electrical feedback that helps you learn to control the muscles that cause ejaculation.
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.
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 some cases, a doctor may prescribe a desensitizing cream that a man can apply to his penis to lessen sexual stimulation. In other cases, a doctor may prescribe an antidepressant medicine such as Zoloft
or Prozac, since such antidepressants have been found to delay orgasm in both men and women. However, these drugs do not cure the underlying cause of premature ejaculation.
Prevention
To help prevent premature ejaculation:
Learn how male and female sexual responses work.
Improve communication with your partner before engaging in sexual activity.
Have sex in situations that are private and relaxed.
RESOURCES:
American Urological Association http://www.auanet.org
Men's Health Network http://www.menshealthnetwork.org
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home.html. Accessed March 25, 2007.
American Psychiatric Association website. Available at:
http://www.psych.org/. Accessed March 25, 2007.
American Urological Assocation website. Available at:
http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=11&topic=670. Accessed March 25, 2007.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information—Home Edition. Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
