What is Premature Ejaculation?

The most common description of Premature Ejaculation (PE) is ejaculation that occurs before both partners would like in a majority of sexual encounters, leading to worry, stress, or concern.  For some men, premature ejaculation may materialize in all manner of sexual encounters, including masturbation.  In other men, PE surfaces only during sexual encounters with a partner.

While no medical standard exists for how long a man should take to ejaculate, some commonly observed symptoms of premature ejaculation include:

• The inability of a man to control his ejaculation.
• Ejaculating before he is ready to or has satisfied his partner.
• Ejaculating before penetration, upon penetration. or shortly thereafter.

How Common is PE?

Premature Ejaculation is one of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction and has probably affected every man at some point in his life. 1   Premature ejaculation is the most common instance of sexual dysfunction for men under 40 years of age, and recent studies show that up to 1 in 3 sexually active men are affected by the problem.

What Causes PE?

Premature Ejaculation is caused by a combination of an oversensitive glans penis (or head of the penis), and nervousness or performance anxiety during lovemaking. Anxiety is often caused by the fear of ejaculating rapidly and not being able to satisfy the sexual partner. This fear often stems from previous experiences of premature ejaculation and further episodes like this can perpetuate the problem.

Some biological causes of PE include:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Thyroid issues
• Neurotransmitter abnormalities
• Abnormal reflex activity of the ejaculatory system
• Inflammation and infection of the prostate or urethra
• Genetic abnormalities

PE can also occur in association with Erectile Dysfunction. In these cases, the correct treatment plan would focus on ED as the primary problem, as resolving it may also resolve the PE.

What Other Adverse Effects Result From PE?

• Relationship Difficulties:  Perhaps the most frequent complaint of patients suffering from PE is the stress the condition places on their relationship. Especially in the initial stages, PE can lead to a lack of communication, and internalized guilt and resentment.
• Fertility Complications: If premature ejaculation isn’t effectively treated, there is a chance that could complicate fertilization for couples seeking to begin a pregnancy.

How is PE Treated?

Successful PE treatment requires a comprehensive strategy that no single product can provide. At Boston Medical Group, the treatment of PE involves a stepwise approach. The underlying cause of Premature Ejaculation must be properly diagnosed before a specific treatment program can be recommended.

Learn how The Boston Method® can help.

Sources:

1. WebMD
2. National Health and Social Life Survey, Laumann et al JAMMA, 1999, pp 281-540
3. Columbia University Medical Center, Department of Urology