Premature ejaculation

Condition

It’s not just an occasional issue - it’s a persistent condition affecting approximately 5% of the general population. Despite its prevalence, the aetiology remains largely unknown, adding an element of mystery to this common sexual health concern. This condition isn't just about timing - it significantly affects quality of life, impacting self-esteem, relationships, and overall mental wellbeing. Both psychological factors, such as sexual performance anxiety and psychological or relationship problems, and organic factors like erectile dysfunction, prostatitis, hyperthyroidism, and poor sleep quality, can contribute to its development. This complex interplay of factors underscores the complexity of premature ejaculation.

Treatment

Management of this condition requires a multi-dimensional approach. The mainstay of treatment is oral or local pharmacotherapy, designed to help manage the physical symptoms. However, given the psychological aspect of this condition, some cases may require psychosexual counselling to address underlying anxieties, communication issues or other mental health concerns. In the face of premature ejaculation, we're not just treating a physical symptom - we're addressing a complex interplay of physical and psychological factors, with a commitment to restoring sexual health and improving quality of life.

F.A.Q.s

What is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is a type of sexual dysfunction that occurs when a man has an orgasm and releases (ejaculates) semen sooner than he or his partner would like.

How common is premature ejaculation?

Between 30% and 40% of men experience premature ejaculation at some point in their life. Along with erectile dysfunction ,premature ejaculation is the most common type of sexual dysfunction in men. About 20% of men between the ages of 18 and 59 report incidences of premature ejaculation.

Are there any specific types of premature ejaculation?

Yes, there are 4 types:

Lifelong, in which the condition starts when someone becomes sexually active.
Acquired,which happens after a period of normal ejaculation.
Variable,in which the ejaculation latency time varies from normal to very short.
Subjective,in which the patient reports having premature ejaculation with a normal ejaculation latency time .

Can stress cause early ejaculation?

One of the common reasons for Premature Ejaculation is stress and anxiety, to treat premature ejaculation, it is important to determine the right underlying cause.

What causes premature ejaculation?

Organic issues include:

Erectile dysfunction.
Hormonal problem.
Low serotonin or dopamine levels.
A penis that is extra sensitive to stimulation.
Chronic prostatic inflammation.

Emotional or psychological causes include:

Performance anxiety. Could be due to the nervousness of being with a new partner, anxiousness of having sex again after a long period of abstinence, lack of confidence, guilt, being overly excited or stimulated or other reasons.
Stress.
Relationship problems.
Depression.

Are there other symptoms of premature ejaculation?

No. The only symptom of premature ejaculation is the condition itself.

Are there any tests needed to make the diagnosis of premature ejaculation?

Laboratory tests are usually not needed unless your urologist suspects that there is an underlying health problem.

Can early ejaculation be cured?

Common treatment options for premature ejaculation include behavioural techniques, medications and counselling. It might take time to find the treatment or combination of treatments that work for you.