Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is a male sexual dysfunction characterized by ejaculation which occurs most of the time at the immediate experience of or within one minute of intercourse. If premature ejaculation has existed since a man’s first sexual experience it is called lifelong premature ejaculation.

Acquired premature ejaculation is when ejaculation occurs sooner than a man would like, often 3 minutes or less, and which is bothersome or causes upset or conflict in a relations. There are multiple negative consequences of premature ejaculation, including distress, frustration, and the avoidance of sexual intimacy.

Most men who complain of premature ejaculation report a lack of control over the ability to ejaculate when they want to. It is not uncommon for men to experience persistent or recurrent early ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation.

Prevalence

Premature ejaculation has been recognized as a syndrome for well over 100 years, however, despite this long history, the prevalence of the condition remains unclear because men are often hesitant to report symptoms that they find worrisome in this regard. Studies have shown the prevalence of premature ejaculation to afflict approximately 5 percent of the population, defined as an ejaculation time less than 2 minutes after initiating intercourse, and accompanied by personal or relationship distress about the inability to control the ejaculation time.

Causes

There are many things that can cause or contribute to premature ejaculation. Psychologically or interpersonal issues commonly are correlated, due in large part to anxiety or conditioning towards rapid ejaculation based on rushed early sexual experiences. Other areas of investigation include hypersensitivity of the penis, erectile dysfunction, inflammation of the prostate, medication side effects, recreational drugs, chronic pelvic pain disorders, and thyroid disorders.

Diagnosis

Premature ejaculation is diagnosed based on diagnostic questions and a thorough medical history taking by a physician who specializes in sexual function. Physical exam and lab testing may be ordered and reviewed.

Questions For Diagnosis:

• What is the time between penetration and ejaculation?
• Can you delay ejaculation?
• Do you or your partner feel bothered, annoyed or frustrated by your premature ejaculation?
• Questions to Differentiate Lifelong And Acquired PE
• When did you first experience premature ejaculation?
• Have you experienced premature ejaculation since your first sexual experience on every/almost every attempt and with every partner?
• Do you avoid sexual intercourse because of embarrassment?
• Do you feel anxious, depressed or embarrassed because of your premature ejaculation?

Next: Treating Premature Ejaculation