Late Ejaculation

Delayed ejaculation — sometimes called Late Ejaculation — is a condition in which it takes an extended period of sexual stimulation for men to reach sexual climax and release semen from the penis (ejaculate). Some men with delayed ejaculation are unable to ejaculate at all.

Delayed ejaculation can be temporary or a lifelong problem. Possible causes of delayed ejaculation include certain chronic health conditions, surgeries and medications. Treatment for delayed ejaculation depends on the underlying cause.

It's normal for men to have delayed ejaculation from time to time. Delayed ejaculation is only a problem if it's ongoing or causes stress for you or your partner.

Symptoms:

Some men with delayed ejaculation need 30 minutes or more of sexual stimulation to have an orgasm and ejaculate. Other men might not be able to ejaculate at all (anejaculation).

But, there's no specific time that indicates a diagnosis of delayed ejaculation. Instead, you are probably experiencing delayed ejaculation if the delay is causing distress or frustration, or if you have to stop sexual activity due to fatigue, physical irritation, loss of erection or a request from your partner.

Often, men might have difficulty reaching orgasm during sexual intercourse or other sexual activities with a partner. Some men can ejaculate only when masturbating.

Treatments:

Delayed ejaculation treatment depends on the underlying cause, but it might include taking a medication or making changes to medications you currently take, undergoing psychological counseling, or addressing alcohol or illegal drug use.

Medications

If you're taking medication that might be causing delayed ejaculation, reducing the dose of a medication or switching medications might fix the problem. Sometimes, adding a medication might help.

There aren't any drugs that have been specifically approved for the treatment of delayed ejaculation. Medications used to treat delayed ejaculation are primarily used to treat other conditions.

Psychological counseling (psychotherapy)

Psychotherapy can help by addressing underlying mental health problems leading to delayed ejaculation, such as depression or anxiety. It's also used to address psychological issues that directly affect your ability to ejaculate.

Counseling might involve seeing a psychologist or mental health counselor on your own or along with your partner. Depending on the underlying cause, you might benefit most from seeing a sex therapist — a mental health counselor who specializes in talk therapy for sexual problems. The type of counseling that's best for you will depend on your particular concerns.