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Definition
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
- Certain medical conditions (eg, thyroid problems)
Prostate
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Risk Factors A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.Risk factors for premature ejaculation include: Lack of sexual experienceLack of knowledge of male and female sexual responses Fear of: Causing pregnancyContracting a sexually transmitted diseasePoor sexual performanceInterpersonal problems between sexual partnerEarly 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-doubtNew or increased interpersonal problems with a sexual partner DiagnosisMost 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. TreatmentTreatments may include:
Behavior Therapy This aims to improve your ability to: Recognize when you are about to ejaculateTake steps to delay itIt may include:Biofeedbackelectrical feedback that helps you learn to control the muscles that cause ejaculation.Start and stop methodstopping sexual stimulation for 30 seconds when nearing climax, then resuming.Squeeze methodsame as start and stop method, but includes gently squeezing the base of penis before the 30-second stop period.Sexual positionstrying 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 guiltInterpersonal problems with your partner that may contribute to the condition MedicationIn 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 , or Clomipramine. Such antidepressants have been found to prolong the interval from intromission to ejaculation. However, these drugs do not cure the underlying cause of premature ejaculation and they need to be taken daily.
Another medication that showed some promise in treating the condition is dapoxetine. Contrary to other anti-depressants it is taken 1-3 hours before intercourse. Its use for premature ejaculation has not been FDA approved. 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 Associationhttp://www.auanet.org Men's Health Networkhttp://www.menshealthnetwork.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Health Canadahttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html Sex Information and Education Council of Canadahttp://www.sieccan.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. Montague, DK, Jarow, J, Broderick, GA, et al. AUA guideline on the pharmacologic management of premature ejaculation. J Urol 2004; 172:290.
Pryor, JL, Althof, SE, Steidle, C, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of dapoxetine in treatment of premature ejaculation: an integrated analysis of two double-blind, randomised controlled trials. Lancet 2006; 368:929. The Merck Manual of Medical InformationHome Edition . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000. Last reviewed March 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MDPlease 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.
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