Premature Ejaculation
What is Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation (PE) is used to refer to when a man ejaculates during sex sooner than he or his partner would like.
It’s one of the most common types of erectile complaints, and is sometimes related to erectile dysfunction.
Symptoms
The main symptom of PE is the inability to last longer than a minute before ejaculating during sex.
PE can be either lifelong or acquired.
Lifelong (primary): PE occurs nearly all the time, and always has since you’re first sexual experience.
Acquired (secondary): you’ve lasted longer in previous sexual experiences, but have since developed PE.
Causes
Causes of PE can depend on the person and their past, but are usually due to psychological issues, physical issues, or a combination of both.
Common causes of PE include:
- Sexual abuse
- Depression
- Anxiety or worry about PE
- Guilt
- Poor body image or low self-esteem
- Relationship problems
- Hormone problems
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
- Inflamed or infected prostate or urethra
- Family history
Risk Factors
The most common factors that make PE more likely are erectile dysfunction (ED) and stress.
Treatment
Treatment heavily depends on the cause(s) of the PE, and the person experiencing it.
Common treatment methods include behavioral techniques, counseling, and certain medications, or a combination of treatments.
It may take some trial and error before figuring out the best treatment method for you.
When to See a Medical Doctor
Everyone has experienced premature ejaculation at one point or another, but if begins to negatively affect you or intimate relationships, speak to a doctor.
Whether you’ve experienced lifelong PE, or have acquired it, speaking a doctor can help determine the best course of action for you.