Premature ejaculation refers to a condition where a man tends to achieve orgasm just before or very soon after the start of intercourse.
Premature ejaculation is considered to be the more common dysfunction observed in matters to do with the sexual experience. In some cases, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation have been found to occur in tandem1. This has made the diagnosis of premature ejaculation more difficult in some instances and the process a little more complicated. The reason for this complication is the fact that either one could be the underlying cause of the problem. In some cases, premature ejaculation can occur purely as a result of erectile dysfunction. In contrast, in others, the symptoms of premature ejaculation may present themselves independently of a problem with the ED. It becomes essential, therefore, to be entirely sure of which is the root problem before a firm diagnosis is made.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, premature ejaculation has been reported to affect 30% of men, making it a common complaint2.
Symptoms Of Premature Ejaculation
Typical symptoms of premature ejaculation present as:
- The inability to delay ejaculation beyond one minute after the start of a sexual encounter, primarily if it occurs after the person’s first sexual experience.
- Ejaculating before penetration has fully occurred.
- Inability to sustain the act of penetration for more than 3 minutes before ejaculation.
- Inability to halt the urge to ejaculate once penetration has been achieved.
Premature ejaculation can happen to anyone at some point. It is advised that you should avoid panic if it does happen to you. Keep in mind thatinfrequent instances of premature ejaculation should not be a source of undue concern. You should, however, seek medical attention if you observe that you frequently, or always, experience premature ejaculation.
Causes
Common questions that may arise when referring to premature ejaculation may include: What causes premature ejaculation to occur? What conditions are present that brings about this dysfunction?
One of the most common misconceptions about premature ejaculation was that it was a purely psychological problem. This premise, however, has since been debunked -evidence has been presented indicating that there are more factors at play.
While not all causes are psychological, psychology, in some cases, still plays a role in the development of the disorder. Other than these psychological causes, there are some physical causes as well. Examples from each category have been listed below.
Psychological Causes
For a long time, psychological causes were taken to be the only reason why men had premature ejaculation. This notion was disproven when it failed to take into account those men thatencountered the disorder throughout their lives. While not the only trigger any longer, psychological causes can still play a significant role as an underlying cause of premature ejaculation.
The causes often include:
- A lack of confidence.
- Anxiety, especially in the face of ‘observed’ performance.
- Lack of experience, or minimal experience
- An excess of excitement during the act.
- Sexual Abuse
- Worry about the possibility of premature ejaculation.
Physical Causes
Physical causes of premature ejaculation can include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hormonal imbalances
- Excessive intake of alcohol.
- High levels of sensitivity
- Possibility of inheritance from common family traits.
- Swelling of the prostate, known as Prostatitis.4
There have been attempts to classify further premature ejaculation based on the underlying causes.5 This classification yielded four different subtypes which are described as:
- Lifelong- referring to a person that has ejaculated rapidly from their first sexual encounter. This tendency has not lessened or resolved itself with time and experience.
- Acquired- describes one who may have begun experiencing premature ejaculation as an effect of such factors as psychological causes, medical concerns, and interactions with others.
- Variable- taken as a normal variation during sexual interaction. This often refers to those that experience premature ejaculation, but not so often that a medical professional must intervene.
- Subjective- this is premature ejaculation that is brought on by the effects of psychological and cultural influences that are not normal.
While there has been a significant shift in the approach to the addressing of concerns about premature ejaculation, it remains a primarily understudied field. Definitions may change and actual numbers adjusted as more information is unearthed. The most significant of these changes, however, still remains the acknowledgement of the fact that there are physical causes of premature ejaculation, thus making it a physical medical concern, rather than a purely mental one. This has opened up more avenues for research which, in turn, have presented greater possibilities for the presentation of more precise and more concise answers and insights.
It is important to remember that premature ejaculation is a common concern. It should not be so stigmatised as to become a source of physical and mental distress in those that experience it. Seeking medical assistance is a very effective resource that will address your worries in a safe environment that is free of judgement at all times.
The effects of premature ejaculation should also not be overlooked. Men who have this disorder should not ignore the impact it can have on their mental, and even physical, well being. Calm, support, and understanding are essential. Remaining conscious as to the effect it is having on not just yourself, but your partner as well could be the key to a successful and positive outcome, after all, is said and done. While the dysfunction is treatable, in a case where it may not be eliminated, your outlook will still be all the better for your care and management of the factors that will be affected by the confirmation of a diagnosis.
When you do approach your doctor with concerns stemming from premature ejaculation, they will work with you to discover whatever causes are contributing to the development of the disorder at which point a workable treatment plan can be established.