Timing is everything in relationships, particularly in the bedroom. But with so many sexual health
problems interfering with thousands of lives, many couples are struggling to stay satisfied.
There is a lot of taboo around sexual health problems; people are often misinformed about different
concerns and their effects. This is particularly the case when it comes to premature ejaculation. But what
causes premature ejaculation, and how can you treat it?
What is premature ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation affects between 30% to 40% of men at some point in their life, so it’s more common
than you may think.
Ejaculation problems are one of the most common sexual concerns for men, and there are three main types:
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Premature ejaculation
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Delayed ejaculation
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Retrograde ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is the most common, affecting as many as one in five men. It occurs when a man
ejaculates too quickly (usually after less than two minutes) during sexual intercourse.
Studies have found that the average time taken for men to ejaculate is around five and a half minutes. Of
course, it is up to each couple to determine whether they are happy with how long sexual intercourse
lasts, and there is no definition of how long the duration should be. But if men are finding that around
half of their attempts at sexual intercourse result in premature ejaculation, it could be a cause for
concern.
Premature Ejaculation Causes
Various premature ejaculation causes can lead to ongoing problems. Some of the most common causes of
premature ejaculation include:
Other Health Problems
Premature ejaculation can be caused by other health issues, with the most common being problems with the thyroid or prostate. However, it’s also worth noting that premature
ejaculation can cause these problems, so be sure to monitor which came first.
Mental Health
Mental health issues tend to be a huge contributor to sexual performance problems. This is particularly
the case with depression; low levels of serotonin can lower your ejaculation stamina, leading to premature
ejaculation.
Premature ejaculation can also be caused by stress or relationship problems, as your mind will be too busy
focusing on other things.
Anxiety Over Sexual Performance
Men who have anxiety over their sexual performance, especially in the early days of a new relationship,
often find that they develop ejaculation issues. This may be an issue which naturally goes as confidence
builds, but some may find that the anxiety still remains.
Conditioning
It is possible for early sexual experiences to play a big part in sexual performance later in life. For
example, if a teenager conditions himself to ejaculate quickly in order to avoid being caught
masturbating, this can become a habit that is difficult to break later in life.
Sexual Trauma
Traumatic sexual experiences can range from being caught masturbating by a family member to being sexually
abused, and this can make performing sexually later in life very difficult.
Upbringing and Beliefs about Sex
Men who have had a strict upbringing and were taught certain things surrounding sex may still have those
beliefs in adulthood, impacting their ability to perform during sexual intercourse.
Biological Reasons
Biological problems, such as having an unusually sensitive penis, can lead to premature ejaculation.
Treatments for premature ejaculation
While many men find that they struggle with premature ejaculation at some point in their life, the good
news is that there are several options for treating the issue. Treatment for premature
ejaculation can range from behavioural techniques and exercise to therapy and medication.
Behavioural Techniques
Behavioural techniques can benefit a lot of men when it comes to controlling ejaculation. The ‘stop and start’ method involves you or your partner stimulating the penis until you
are close to orgasm, then stopping for around 30 seconds or until the feeling passes. Begin the arousal
again and then repeat the process three or four times before actually ejaculating, to train your body to
last longer.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to premature ejaculation; pelvic floor exercises can help to
strengthen the muscles in this area. These muscles are strengthened by locating the muscles used to stop
your urine flow midstream and then holding them tight for three seconds before releasing them. Repeat this
process ten times, three times a day.
Therapy
Therapy is also beneficial for some men who have negative emotions or thoughts surrounding sex. Therapy
can be a useful treatment alongside medical or behavioural methods to deal with certain mental health
issues which may be causing the problem.
Medication
Some men also find that certain medications can help them, including:
Priligy Tablets: Priligy tablets are a prescription medication containing dapoxetine which increases
serotonin levels in the body, resulting in a significant impact on a man’s ability to reach ejaculation.
The serotonin levels send nerve signal transmissions, providing men with more control over when they
ejaculate.
EMLA Cream: EMLA is a local anaesthetic cream which uses Lidocaine and Prilocaine to numb
the skin, preventing discomfort and reducing sensitivity. It’s a common ‘off-label’ solution to premature
ejaculation problems as it can increase a man’s ability to last longer during sex by as much as six times.
You can buy EMLA cream
over the counter or online, and it is applied 30 minutes prior to intercourse.
Regain control of your sexual performance
Premature ejaculation is a common problem for men, and if it’s occurring sporadically, it’s nothing to
worry about. However, if you’re finding that you regularly ejaculate sooner than you would like, it’s
worth trying out a handful of the treatments mentioned in this guide. Get in touch with our experts on
0208 123 0703 or browse our treatment range for more information.
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