PREMATURE EJACULATION Coming too soon…

Premature ejaculation is uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration. And while people view the topic as embarrassing, the condition is common among men and it is a contributing factor to marital problems. The condition can also wreak havoc on a man’s self-confidence.

While there is no definite time a man should last while having sex, he is at least supposed to take sometime to satisfy his partner.

During the 2006 Congress of the European Society for Sexual Medicine, an American research paper reported that the average lasting time for men with premature ejaculation was 1.8 minutes. ‘Normal’ men lasted an average of 7.3 minutes.

But in the same research, there were males who claimed to have premature ejaculation, yet they could last up to 25 minutes. This clearly shows how people differ about what is normal ejaculation.

Research from different couples shows that there are those who would regard intercourse that lasts under 20 minutes as less than satisfactory, and would feel that any ejaculation in under 10 minutes or so rather premature.

However, it is generally accepted that ejaculation can be considered premature when it occurs 30 seconds to four minutes into sex.

Causes of premature ejaculation
There are two types of premature ejaculation – lifelong and acquired. Lifelong premature ejaculation starts early, especially during teenage hood and is associated with psychological issues.

Acquired premature ejaculation happens later in life and may be triggered by physiological or psychological issues.

The following factors can cause premature ejaculation:
Psychological factors such as anxiety, guilt, or depression.

Medical causes such as hormonal problems, injury, or a side effect of certain medicines.

New partner: Some men feel nervous sleeping with new partners hence premature ejaculations.

If it has been a long time since the last ejaculation, that is, you have stayed for long without having sex.

Symptoms of premature ejaculation
The main symptom is an uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after intercourse begins. Ejaculation occurs before the person wishes it and from minimal sexual stimulation.

During diagnosis, your doctor will discuss your medical and sexual history with you. They will do a thorough physical examination. He may also want to talk to your partner.

Since premature ejaculation can be triggered by several factors, your doctor may order lab tests to rule out any other medical problem.

Managing premature ejaculation
In many cases, premature ejaculation heals with time meaning treatment may not be needed. However, if it persists, see a medical practitioner or try the following:

Use practice relaxation techniques or even distraction methods as this will help to delay ejaculation. One such method is the start-stop technique where you reduce stimulation when you have become very aroused and begin stimulation once you feel as if your arousal has gone down. Do this several times until you come.

Cut down on the use alcohol, tobacco, or banned drugs if you are using them.

Use thicker condoms to reduce sensation to the penis or try a different position (such as lying on your back) during intercourse.

Counselling or behavioural therapy may help reduce anxiety related to premature ejaculation.

Antidepressant medicines are sometimes used to treat premature ejaculation. These include medicines like clomipramine (Anafranil) and paroxetine (Paxil) since one of their side effects is inhibited orgasm, which helps delay ejaculation. Tramadol (Ultram), a medicine that has been used for many years to control pain, can also be used to delay ejaculation.

There are also creams, gels and sprays that may be used to treat premature ejaculation by reducing sensation. These medicines are applied to the penis before sex. They include lidocaine and lidocaine-prilocaine. But some of these medicines can also affect a man’s sexual partner by reducing her sensation.