Premature Ejaculation is essentially caused by a combination of an oversensitive glans penis (or head of the penis), and nervousness or performance anxiety during lovemaking. This anxiety is often caused by the fear of ejaculating rapidly and not being able to satisfy the sexual partner. The fear often stems from previous experience of premature ejaculation. An episode of PE therefore often leads to further episodes of PE and so perpetuates the problem.

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