Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is ejaculation that occurs earlier than desired causing distress to either one or both partners. It’s difficult to pinpoint the ”average” length of time a man should be able to have intercourse without having an orgasm, but those with PE tend to ejaculate in less than a minute of penetration, sometimes even before penetrating. Studies suggest the average among ”normal” men is 5-7 minutes.

Premature ejaculation is one of the most common male sexual disorders, affecting about 20-30% of men. It can occur at any age.

Premature Ejaculation Treatment

If premature ejaculation is not a problem for a man and his partner, treatment is not needed; however, when premature ejaculation happens so frequently that it interferes with a man’s sexual pleasure, it becomes a medical problem requiring the care of a doctor.

To understand the problem, the doctor will need to ask questions about your sexual history. Usually, laboratory testing is not necessary.

Treatment

There are several treatment choices for premature ejaculation. A combination of all of these treatments may be helpful.

  • Psychological Therapy: Meeting with certified sex therapist individually and/or with your partner can help you effectively communicate about the problem and address feelings or anxieties you may have about sexuality and sexual relationships that contribute to your PE.
  • Behavioral Therapy: Makes use of exercises (such as the Squeeze and Hold technique) to help a man develop tolerance to stimulation and, as a result, delay ejaculation.
  • Oral Medical Therapy: Medications that are commonly used to treat depression can be used in low doses in men with premature ejaculation to delay in the time it takes from the beginning of sexual stimulation until ejaculation occurs.
  • Topical Anesthetic Creams: May be used to increase the time it takes from the beginning of sexual stimulation until ejaculation occurs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is premature ejaculation “all in your mind?”

For years PE was thought to be a psychological problem, but new studies have shown that a low level of serotonin, a natural substance that is produced by nerves, may be a cause.

Does premature ejaculation affect older men?

PE may be slightly more common among younger men, but it’s a myth that older patients aren’t also affected.