Early Ejaculation

Early Ejectulation or Premature ejaculation occurs when a man has an orgasm and ejaculates earlier during intercourse than he or his partner would like. It’s a common problem, affecting 30% to 40% of men. Causes include physical problems, chemical imbalances and emotional/psychological factors. Treatments include learning techniques to delay ejaculation, counseling and medications.

Premature ejaculation is a type of sexual dysfunction that occurs when a man has an orgasm and releases (ejaculates) semen sooner than he or his partner would like. It often happens before or shortly after penetration during intercourse. Premature ejaculation can be a frustrating experience for both you and your sexual partner and makes your sex lives less enjoyable. However, the good news is that it’s usually fixable!

How common is premature ejaculation?

Between 30% and 40% of men experience premature ejaculation at some point in their life. According to the American Urological Association, premature ejaculation is the most common type of sexual dysfunction in men. About one in five men between the ages of 18 and 59 report incidences of premature ejaculation.

Symptoms and Causes:

The main symptom of premature ejaculation is not being able to delay ejaculation for more than three minutes after penetration. But it might occur in all sexual situations, even during masturbation.

Premature ejaculation can be classified as:

• Lifelong. Lifelong premature ejaculation occurs all or nearly all the time beginning with the first sexual encounter.
• Acquired. Acquired premature ejaculation develops after having previous sexual experiences without problems with ejaculation.

Many people feel that they have symptoms of premature ejaculation, but the symptoms don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis. It's typical to experience early ejaculation at times.

How is premature ejaculation treated?

There are many different treatments options for premature ejaculation depending on the cause. These include behavioral therapy, counseling and medications. Most causes of premature ejaculation are usually treated first with behavior therapy and/or counseling to help with emotional concerns, performance anxiety or stressors that may be contributing. Often more than one treatment approach may be tried at the same time.

Behavioral therapy:

Behavioral therapy involves trying different methods to delay your orgasm. Its goal is to teach you how to control your body and your feelings. Methods include:

• Start and stop: With this technique, you or your partner stimulates your penis close to the point of orgasm then stops the stimulation for about 30 seconds until you regain control of your response. Repeat this “start and stop” approach three or four times before allowing yourself to orgasm. Continue practicing this method until you have gained good control.
• Squeeze therapy: With this technique, you or your partner stimulates your penis close to the point of orgasm then gently squeezes the head of your penis for about 30 seconds so that you begin to lose your erection. Repeat this technique a few times before allowing yourself to orgasm. Continue practicing this technique until you have gained control in delaying your orgasm.
• Distracted thinking: With this technique, the idea is to focus your attention on ordinary nonsexual things while you’re being sexually stimulated. Naming sequences are a good way to focus your attention. For example, visualize naming all the businesses you pass on your drive to the gym, naming all the players on your favorite sports team or naming all the products on the aisles of your favorite store.

When to see a doctor?

Talk with your health care provider if you ejaculate sooner than you wish during most sexual encounters. It's common to feel embarrassed about discussing sexual health concerns. But don't let that keep you from talking to your provider. Premature ejaculation is common and treatable.

A conversation with a care provider might help lessen concerns. For example, it might be reassuring to hear that it's typical to experience premature ejaculation from time to time. It may also help to know that the average time from the beginning of intercourse to ejaculation is about five minutes.