Premature Ejaculation: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

In premature ejaculation, orgasm happens a short time after penetration or even before it. Emotional issues, prostate problems, hormonal imbalance, and the use of certain medications can be the causes. Find out more.

Premature ejaculation is when a man ejaculates shortly after penetration or before intercourse begins. Even during masturbation, a man can ejaculate prematurely.

Emotional problems are behind most cases, but prostate diseases, hormonal issues, certain medications, and the use of cigarettes and alcohol are also triggers. Get your questions answered below.

What Is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is a type of sexual dysfunction in men, characterized by a lack of control over ejaculation. Men with this condition ejaculate between 1 and 2 minutes after penetration or before sexual activity starts. The early release of semen can also happen during masturbation.

The causes of premature ejaculation involve both psychological and physical factors, including stress, anxiety, and depression, diabetes, prostate and hormonal problems, use of certain medications, smoking, alcohol, and other drugs.

Types of Premature Ejaculation

There are three types of premature ejaculation:

Primary: present from the beginning of sexual life;
Secondary: men who previously had normal ejaculation times but developed premature ejaculation later in life;
Occasional: occurs sporadically.

Symptoms of Premature Ejaculation

The symptoms of premature ejaculation include:

Ejaculation 1 to 2 minutes before penetration or in fewer than 10 thrusts;
Ejaculation before penetration;
Ejaculation without a firm enough erection for sexual intercourse;
Ejaculating too quickly during masturbation.

Causes of Premature Ejaculation

The causes of premature ejaculation are multifactorial. While emotional issues account for many diagnoses, physical factors also contribute to this dysfunction. Here are some of the causes:

Stress, anxiety, and depression;
Dissatisfaction with body image;
Unrealistic expectations of sexual performance, often fueled by excessive pornography;
Poorly controlled diabetes affecting the nerves involved in sexual function, including ejaculation;
Erectile dysfunction;
Inflammation in the prostate, such as prostatitis;
Low testosterone;
Low prolactin;
Reduced serotonin levels, as it helps regulate arousal and ejaculatory control;
Medications for hormonal disorders, opioid analgesics (morphine), and antipsychotics;
Use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

How Is the Diagnosis Made?

The diagnosis of premature ejaculation is clinical and made by a urologist, who evaluates the patient’s history and any associated symptoms.

In some cases, laboratory tests may be requested to investigate hormonal causes.

Recommended Treatments

Treatments for premature ejaculation are defined according to the root cause. Check them out:

Behavioral therapy: helps men address internal conflicts;
Medications for premature ejaculation: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine are commonly used;
Medications to reduce penile sensitivity: such as lidocaine;
Ejaculatory control exercises: Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles that help control sexual function.

How to Prevent Premature Ejaculation?

Just as important as knowing what premature ejaculation is, is knowing how to prevent it. Here are some practical tips:

Regular check-ups with a urologist to detect problems early and receive sexual health advice;
Relationship issues can lead to lack of ejaculatory control, so open communication with your partner is crucial. Seek professional help if the couple can’t resolve their conflicts;
Therapy can also help if there is stress and anxiety due to work or body image concerns;
Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga;
Regular physical activity;
A balanced diet;
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

When Is Premature Ejaculation a Problem?

Premature ejaculation can affect quality of life when it occurs persistently and causes distress or dissatisfaction. In this scenario, a man may suffer from performance anxiety and lose confidence.

When to Seek Medical Help?

If premature ejaculation happens in every sexual encounter, and you avoid intimacy out of fear.

Premature ejaculation can impact a man’s emotional well-being and may have various causes, but there are measures that can help control and treat it. Explore the Dr. Paulo Egydio’s blog for more tips on intimate health. If you have symptoms of erectile dysfunction, complete a preliminary assessment to learn when to seek specialized help.

Premature Ejaculation: What It Is, Its Causes, and How to Prevent It

What Is Premature Ejaculation?