Darrick Robles Premature ejaculation is a sexual dysfunction also known in medicine as premature ejaculation. Premature ejaculation is generally harmless in terms of health, but it can put a strain on sex life and the couple relationship. Here are things you should know if you know the problem yourself or if your partner is affected.
Ejaculation is controlled by the central nervous system. It usually occurs together with the male orgasm – the psychological and sexual climax. But there are also men who reach orgasm before ejaculation or experience a climax without ejaculation.
When do you speak of premature ejaculation?
On average , men ejaculate after about 5 minutes of intercourse . However, the individual bandwidth is large – it ranges from less than 1 minute to longer than 30 minutes. The fact that an ejaculation is experienced as too early does not always have to indicate a functional disorder. Occasional early ejaculation is normal and nothing to worry about.
The medical diagnosis of premature ejaculation is made when early ejaculation becomes a burden for the patient. This is the case, for example, if the ejaculation always occurs very early, even before the penis is inserted or immediately afterwards.
The result can be reduced self-esteem, since sex is associated with high pressure to perform. The associated stress for those affected can increase the problem , promote avoidance behavior and cause other symptoms such as erectile dysfunction.
How many men are affected?
In surveys, around 20% of the men surveyed stated that they were affected by premature ejaculation. In fact, far fewer men go to the doctor with the problem. Experts therefore estimate that the proportion of functional disorders requiring treatment is lower. It is assumed that around 4% of men have little or no control over their ejaculation and find this distressing.
In which age?
Premature ejaculation can occur at any age from puberty onwards. The first symptoms often appear with the first sexual experiences – they can also persist later in life and across different partnerships.
What are the causes of premature ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation can be primary (lifelong) or secondary (acquired). Those affected already experience a primary premature ejaculation during the first sexual activities. Acquired premature ejaculation only develops over the course of life.
Possible causes can be:
- Mental problems: Stress and depression can lead to premature ejaculation. But problems in the relationship or unrealistic ideas about sexual “performance” can also contribute to this.
- Physical illnesses: Premature ejaculation can occur as an accompanying symptom of various underlying illnesses. These include inflammation of the prostate, erectile dysfunction or dysfunction of the thyroid gland .
What can those affected do themselves?
If the topic is bothering you, you should bring it up in your relationship. Only through an open discussion can you find out if it is actually a problem in your sex life – and work on it together. Remember that even if you ejaculate early, sex can still be fulfilling for both of you.
Also, these methods can help:
- Stop-start method: Here, deliberate breaks are taken during sex to delay ejaculation. This method takes some practice. It teaches men to be more aware of their sexual response and to recognize the point at which ejaculation becomes inevitable. Before this point is reached, you can, for example, reduce the intensity of the movements until you feel in control.
- Pelvic floor training: The pelvic floor is a muscle that can be trained like the biceps and abdominal muscles. In the case of premature ejaculation, pelvic floor exercises can help improve body control. Here you will find tips for pelvic floor training .
- Use condoms: A condom can reduce penile sensitivity, delaying ejaculation during sex. There are also special condoms that contain a slightly numbing gel that can dampen the arousal a little.
- Second attempt: Some sufferers benefit from a second sexual intercourse after the first premature ejaculation. After the first ejaculation, the stimulation threshold increases, so sex can last longer the second time. Masturbating an hour before intercourse can also be helpful.
When should I go to the doctor?
If it continues to bother you or is a problem in the relationship, you should take the issue to a urologist. Premature ejaculation is easily treatable in most cases.
The doctor will ask you whether the premature ejaculation has always existed (primary) or has only appeared over the years (secondary). A blood or urine test may also be done to rule out underlying diseases such as prostate inflammation.
How is premature ejaculation treated?
Premature ejaculation can usually be treated with various stimulation techniques (e.g. stop-start method). If these methods do not bring about any improvement, a visit to a urologist may be advisable.
There are different therapeutic approaches – including drug treatment. In Germany, the drug dapoxetine, an antidepressant, is approved for the treatment of premature ejaculation. However, dapoxetine can also have unpleasant side effects such as nausea and dizziness . Therefore, the drug should only be used as a last resort and only after a medical consultation.
