Sexual intercourse is a natural phenomenon and it involves the process of climaxing or reaching orgasm to reach completion at some point. However, when male ejaculation occurs a little too early during sexual activity, it can lead to anxiety, embarrassment, disappointment, and even problems in a relationship. And as such, even though it is not considered as a serious health condition, premature ejaculation (https://www.artisanhealthclinic.sg/services/mens-health/premature-ejaculation)may negatively impact a person’s overall health and well-being.
In most cases, premature ejaculation goes away on its own but if you are experiencing long-term premature ejaculation (or since the time you have been sexually active), it is essential to talk to your doctor or Boston Medical Group to determine the underlying cause and find the best treatment for you.
Read this article to learn more about premature ejaculation, its causes, types, and treatment options.
Definition
Premature ejaculation, also called PE in medical circles, describes a condition that affects males’ sexual performance. It manifests as the inability to control ejaculation, which occurs before or shortly after penetration. As a result, neither party becomes unable to achieve maximum sexual satisfaction, which can be frustrating.
But the unfortunate truth is, although PE is a prevalent condition affecting males, it is often misunderstood and underreported. Statistics show that PE affects 1 out of 3 males and it can occur at any age. Premature ejaculation in Singapore is one of the most common sexual disorders that affect the male population. It is estimated that 20-30% of men report occasional or recurrent incidences of PE, with a further 3-5% experiencing a severe form of the disorder.
Types
There are two primary types of premature ejaculation: primary and secondary. Primary PE refers to the lifelong problem of ejaculating quickly, usually occurring from the first sexual experience. In contrast, secondary PE refers to the development of the condition later in life due to medical, psychological, or lifestyle factors.
Causes
Studies suggest that there are both psychological and biological factors that contribute to premature ejaculation. The psychological factors include anxiety, depression, relationship problems, performance anxiety, and stress. On the other hand, biological factors such as hormonal imbalances, serotonin levels, penile sensitivity, and genetic predisposition can also contribute to PE.
- Anxiety and stress: When you are anxious and stressed, your body produces hormones and chemicals that can cause premature ejaculation.
- Depression: Depression is a common cause of sexual dysfunction in men, leading to low libido, decreased sensitivity, and a lack of sexual interest.
- Relationship problems: If you are experiencing relationship problems, it can lead to performance anxiety, which can cause premature ejaculation.
- Erectile dysfunction: If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, it can lead to premature ejaculation as the brain tries to hurry up the process before losing the erection
Psychological impact
One of the main concerns for individuals with PE is how the condition affects sexual satisfaction and relationships. Besides feeling embarrassed and frustrated, men may feel inadequate and ashamed as they cannot meet their partner’s sexual needs. As a result, relationships can suffer from emotional disconnection and lack of intimacy, leading to a diminished quality of life for both parties.
Treatment
Given the impacts of premature ejaculation on a person’s sexual and mental health, it is essential to seek appropriate treatment from medical professionals. Many treatments can help manage the condition, ranging from self-help techniques to medication and therapy.
Behavioral interventions are strategies that help you control your anxiety and stress levels during sex. They include:
- Start-stop technique: This involves interrupting sexual activity when you feel like you are about to ejaculate. Stopping the activity will give you time to relax and prevent ejaculation. Once you are relaxed, you can start again.
- Squeeze technique: This method involves squeezing the base of the penis just before ejaculation. The squeeze helps to reduce ejaculation and prolong sex.
- Pelvic floor exercises: Pelvic floor exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles that control ejaculation by contracting and relaxing the pelvic muscles. Regular Kegel exercises can help you to delay ejaculation.
Medical interventions for premature ejaculation include medications, topical creams, and sprays, and surgical procedures. The following are the main treatment options for premature ejaculation:
- Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medications for PE. These drugs can increase the level of serotonin in your brain, which can help you to delay ejaculation. Some common SSRI medications are fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline. It is important to note, however, that these drugs may have adverse side effects such as nausea, headache, and dizziness. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a medical professional.
- Topical creams and sprays: Topical anaesthetics such as lidocaine and prilocaine can be applied to the penis to numb the area and reduce sensitivity during sex. This can help to delay ejaculation.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological therapy designed to help people modify their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT can help you to identify the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to premature ejaculation and develop coping strategies.
- Surgery: Surgery is rarely used as an intervention for premature ejaculation. However, in extreme cases, a surgical procedure called a dorsal nerve neurectomy can be performed to remove the nerves that control ejaculation, effectively delaying ejaculation.
Another viable treatment option is psychotherapy, where an individual works with a therapist to explore and address underlying psychological issues contributing to PE. Psychological interventions may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, sex therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PE is a common sexual disorder that affects many men worldwide. Although the exact cause of the condition is unknown, there are various treatment options available. Seeking timely treatment for PE can help improve sexual satisfaction, relationships, and overall quality of life. Behavioral interventions such as the start-stop technique, squeeze technique, and pelvic floor exercises can help to delay ejaculation. Medical interventions such as SSRIs, topical creams and sprays, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can also be effective in treating premature ejaculation.
In most cases, premature ejaculation goes away on its own but if you are experiencing long-term premature ejaculation (or since the time you have been sexually active), it is essential to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and find the best treatment for you.
Artisan Health Clinic
Paragon
290 Orchard Road #07-01,
Paragon Medical Suites,
Singapore 238859
https://www.artisanhealthclinic.sg/
Phone / Whatsapp
(65) 8129 8877