Understanding Premature Ejaculation and Treatments Available

First, what is premature ejaculation? Premature ejaculation is when you feel like you have no control over when you ejaculate during intercourse. It often happens very soon after penetration occurs, before your partner has had a chance to enjoy themselves. It can be embarrassing and humiliating, and cause significant issues in your relationship if it isn’t dealt with. Here are some great ways to help treat premature ejaculation so that you and your partner can enjoy sex again without worrying about how fast it will end!

How is Premature Ejaculation Diagnosed?

Your healthcare professional inquires about your sexual history as well as your medical history. Your provider may also perform a physical exam. If you have both early ejaculation and difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, your doctor may request blood testing. Your hormone levels may be checked as part of the examinations.

In some situations, your doctor may recommend seeing a urologist or a mental health professional specializing in sexual issues.

Causes of Premature Ejaculation

There are several different causes of premature ejaculation. Let’s learn how to figure out what’s causing it in your case and, more importantly, how to treat it.

Physical and Hormonal Issues

For most men, premature ejaculation is related to physical or hormonal issues. If you’ve noticed that you always reach climax sooner than you (or your partner) would like, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider and address any underlying health issues. Perhaps you are suffering from a condition like diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), which can lead to painful erections and decreased sensation. Similarly, if you’ve noticed erectile dysfunction along with premature ejaculation, your testosterone levels might be an issue. In order to treat these types of problems, be sure that you talk to a medical professional before taking any medication or supplements without proper medical advice.

Psychological Issues

Many of us grew up with a different concept of ejaculation. We were all told that it was something to be feared, a thing to be avoided at any cost. We were conditioned from an early age to control ejaculation or face shame and embarrassment. And that’s how we all learned how to cum. But did you know that premature ejaculation is one of men's most common forms of sexual dysfunction? A recent study showed that as many as 1 in 3 men are affected by premature ejaculation because of several other reasons, such as stress, depression, anxiety, etc. The good news is that premature ejaculation can be treated, and several methods are available today. You may want to consult your doctor about treatment options for premature ejaculation so that you can learn how to cum properly.

Treatment Options for Premature Ejaculation

There are several treatment options for premature ejaculation, though they may vary depending on individual cases. If you cannot find relief using these methods, consult with your doctor about other treatment options that may be right for you. While natural premature ejaculation treatments are preferable when possible, some prescription options can help address even severe cases of premature ejaculation.

Behavioral Techniques

Many guys will try to just hold it in as long as they can, which is totally understandable. However, that can increase anxiety levels during intercourse (not to mention taking a toll on your penis), making it harder for you to enjoy and last longer. Instead, focus on delaying ejaculation through behavioral techniques: first, start with some distraction techniques—try thinking about your upcoming work meeting or your fantasy football draft. Or masturbate once or twice before intercourse.

Pelvic Floor Exercise

Kegel exercises can help control your ejaculations and ensure you can last longer during intercourse. Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which support the lower urinary tract and uterus. You can do them anywhere, at any time—and all you need is a few minutes and a little dedication. The exercises are pretty easy: Start by contracting (squeezing) your pelvic floor muscles as if you were trying to stop or slow the flow of urine. Then rest, let go of those muscles, and repeat for several sets of 10 reps throughout your day. 

Pause & Squeeze Technique

One of many premature ejaculation treatments, it involves a few simple steps: 

1. The moment you feel like you are about to orgasm during intercourse, stop for 30 seconds and relax.
2. Start thrusting again but do so very slowly and gently.
3. Squeeze your PC muscle in intervals of five squeezes per second for three minutes.
4. Wait 60 minutes before continuing sex (this allows your body to cool down).
5. Repeat four times in one session. With practice, you can control when you want to orgasm – instead of it controlling you.

Using Condoms

Many people associate condom use with premature ejaculation, but it’s actually a pretty effective method for preventing premature ejaculation. Condoms allow you to relax and focus on your other senses without thinking about whether they will last longer. Since condoms reduce sensitivity, they essentially give you more time before your mind becomes focused on when you’re going to ejaculate. If using condoms doesn’t help control your desire to come quickly, then don’t worry—there are plenty of other methods that can slow down or delay ejaculation altogether. 

Medications

Standard treatment for premature ejaculation (PE) is a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications are commonly used to treat depression but can effectively address PE by delaying orgasm. Some men may also benefit from the daily use of topical desensitizing creams, which contain lidocaine, benzocaine, and/or prilocaine (depending on the brand). These creams work similarly to SSRIs but may take several weeks before you see results.

Counseling or Therapy

If you have premature ejaculation and it’s causing you distress, help is available. The treatment for premature ejaculation includes behavioral therapies, which teach patients to control their bodies better through breathing exercises and self-conditioning. An example of behavioral therapy would be sexual psychotherapy, or sex therapy, which includes couples counseling and teaching men how to control their arousal levels to delay ejaculating quickly. If you suffer from premature ejaculation and feel it’s interfering with your life somehow, it’s worth finding a therapist who can help.

Final Thoughts

Premature ejaculation is particularly common. However, if it frequently occurs, consult your doctor. There are several ways you can employ to assist in preventing it. You should also speak with your partner. They may often feel responsible or distant. Talking about it can help both of you relax. The key is recognizing that PE can typically be resolved and that it is simply one aspect of a couple's physical interaction. Being supportive and aware of each other's wants and worries is the best way to approach PE or any other difficulty you face as a couple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of premature ejaculation?

The main causes of premature ejaculation are anxiety and stress. In most cases, premature ejaculation can be treated with a combination of lifestyle changes, counseling, and medication.

Is premature ejaculation permanent?

No, premature ejaculation can be cured. Once you understand your body and how to treat premature ejaculation, it will go away.