Understanding Premature Ejaculation: Description, Causes and Treatment
Ejaculation may seem like a simple natural occurrence, but the process is highly complex. It involves the coordination of the cardiovascular, neurological and psychological systems. It can be stimulated physically, visually or mentally. During the process, the brain manages the rather complex task of signaling the nervous system and the penile muscles and climaxes with the secretion of semen simultaneous with orgasm. If this process recurs persistently, even with little sexual stimulation, it is called “premature ejaculation” and can become quite a problem for men.
What is Premature Ejaculation?
Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a medical condition in which semen is ejaculated from the penis before, during, or shortly after sexual penetration. It is also commonly defined as having an ejaculation before the partner is satisfied, before penetration, or too soon after penetration. In other words, it is the persistent recurrence of ejaculating early and uncontrollably.
The condition is quite common, with recent studies showing that 1 out of every 3 sexually active men will experience the problem at some point in their life. It is more common in younger males, but it does occur in every age group regardless of socioeconomic background. Those who experience the condition usually doubt their masculinity and become less confident in their sexual performance. In turn, this may reduce self-esteem and cause distress in relationships. In other instances, men who experience PE isolate themselves from sexual relationships and dating.
What causes Premature Ejaculation?
The cause of the condition is not related to structural or physical problems. Oversensitivity of the glans penis is the usual cause. However, it may also be caused by tension or nervousness before or during sexual intercourse. Having had PE in previous sexual encounters may produce fears of ejaculating before the other party is satisfied. This fear aggravates the condition and makes a person more susceptible to ejaculating prematurely. Erectile dysfunction may also be the cause of premature ejaculation. Hence, treating erectile dysfunction may prove to be a solution.
Premature Ejaculation Treatment Options
Premature ejaculation can be a lifelong problem unless it is treated. Before treatment, the problem must first be diagnosed correctly to determine the actual cause of the disorder. For most men, relaxation techniques and practice in controlling ejaculation often help solve the problem without the use of other medical or psychological treatments.
Medical products and anesthetic creams can be used as premature ejaculation treatment. Fluoxetine and Duloxetine are two antidepressants that have a good side effect for PE sufferers. These drugs help prolong sexual intercourse by making ejaculation harder to achieve. Anesthetic creams may also be used to decrease sexual stimulation when applied to the penis. This will help prolong the ejaculation process.
If the condition is caused by psychological factors including stress, anxiety, fear or depression, psychiatric or counseling intervention may help solve the problem by dealing with the root psychological causes. If any of the above treatment options do not work, it is best to consult a urologist and get professional medical help.