Premature Ejaculation – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Self Care

The main signs of premature ejaculation in men (PE) lie in the inadequacy to delay ejaculation for more than a minute after penetration. Additionally, some men may experience the following:

• Ejaculation before or shortly after penetration
• Inability to control ejaculation
• Distress or frustration related to PE
• Avoidance of sexual intimacy due to PE

The prime cause of premature ejaculation is not well understood. Still, it involves a combination of psychological and biological factors.

Psychological causes of PE may include:

• Anxiety, especially related to sexual performance
• Depression
• Stress
• Relationship problems
• Trauma or abuse

Biological causes of PE may include:

• Abnormal levels of hormones, such as serotonin
• Nerve damage
• The abnormal reflex activity of the ejaculatory system
• Abnormal thyroid function
• Inflammation or infection of the prostate or urethra
• Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can also cause PE as a side effect.

Premature ejaculation diagnosis(PE) typically involves a physical examination and a discussion of symptoms and sexual history with a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may ask questions such as:

• How long have you had PE?
• How often does it happen?
• Does it happen with every sexual partner or only certain partners?
• Are you able to delay ejaculation in any circumstances?
• Are you or your partner unhappy with the duration of intercourse?
• It’s also important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to PE, such as thyroid problems or a prostate infection.

Additionally, the healthcare provider may ask about any medications you’re taking that could contribute to PE.
A physical examination may be conducted to check for any physical issues contributing to PE. The healthcare provider may also ask for a semen analysis to rule out semen-related problems.

Treatment for premature ejaculation (PE) depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms.

Medications:

• Dapoxetine
• Tramadol
• Topical anesthetics

Behavioral techniques:

• The “squeeze technique” involves applying pressure to the head of the penis just before ejaculation to delay it.
• The “stop-start technique” involves stopping sexual activity just before ejaculation, then waiting for the feeling of ejaculation to pass before starting again.
• The “squeeze-and-hold technique” combines the first two techniques, where the man or his partner applies pressure to the head of the penis and holds it for several seconds before release.

Natural treatment for premature ejaculation:

Pelvic floor muscle exercises: Pelvic floor muscle exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, can help to improve the strength and tone of the muscles that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Here are some steps to follow when performing pelvic floor muscle exercises:

Remember that it may take several weeks of consistent pelvic floor muscle exercise to see improvement in symptoms such as urinary incontinence or pelvic pain. If you have difficulty finding or contracting your pelvic floor muscles, or if you are not seeing improvement in your symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

• Masturbation before intercourse can help delay ejaculation during intercourse.
• Communicating with a partner about PE can help reduce stress.
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs can decrease sexual inhibitions and make PE more likely.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, can help improve overall sexual function.

Condom:

• Condoms can help to reduce sensitivity and delay ejaculation in some men.
• Thick or textured condoms may be more effective than regular condoms in prolonging ejaculation.
• Condoms can also provide a barrier method of contraception and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Counseling:

• Counseling can help men to identify and address underlying psychological factors that may be contributing to premature ejaculation, such as anxiety or relationship issues.
• Behavioral techniques, such as the stop-start technique or the squeeze technique, can be taught in counseling sessions to help men develop better control over ejaculation.
• Couples counseling can be particularly helpful for men who experience premature ejaculation in the context of a relationship, as it can help both partners to communicate more effectively and develop strategies for managing the condition together.

Preventing premature ejaculation (PE) can be difficult, as the prime cause of the condition is not well understood. However, several things can be done to help delay ejaculation and improve sexual function.

Food Habits:

• A healthy diet can help improve overall sexual function.
• Avoid foods and drinks that can negatively impact sexual function, such as excessive alcohol consumption or caffeine.

Premature Ejaculation Exercise:

• Regular exercise can help improve overall health and sexual function.
• Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) can help improve muscle control and delay ejaculation.

Supplements and Vitamins:

• Some supplements and vitamins are said to positively impact sexual function, such as zinc, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Natural Home Remedies:

• Certain herbal supplements such as ashwagandha, maca root, and horny goat weed help improve sexual function and delay ejaculation.

It may be appropriate to seek medical help from a urologist specialist for premature ejaculation (PE) if:

• PE is causing significant distress or problems in your relationship
• PE is affecting your sexual function and quality of life
• PE is persistent and not improving with self-help measures
• You have pain or discomfort during ejaculation
• You have a new onset of PE, especially if you have a history of normal sexual function
• You have other symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, pain during intercourse, or problems with urination
• You are experiencing different medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, or prostate problems
• You are taking medications that may be contributing to PE

Frequently Asked Questions