Premature ejaculation - symptoms, causes and treatment

Premature ejaculation is a sexual dysfunction where a man ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like during sexual activity - typically within one minute of penetration. PE can be lifelong (primary) or develop later in life (secondary). It's classified into four types: lifelong, acquired, natural variable, and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction. The condition affects men of all ages and backgrounds, and while it can cause distress and relationship difficulties, it's important to remember that PE is a treatable medical condition, not a personal failing.

Premature ejaculation can result from psychological, biological, or combined factors: Psychological Causes: Anxiety or stress (performance anxiety, work stress, relationship issues) Depression or low self-esteem Unrealistic expectations about sexual performance History of sexual repression or guilt Early sexual experiences that established a pattern Biological Causes: Abnormal hormone levels (testosterone, prolactin) Abnormal neurotransmitter levels (particularly serotonin) Inflammation or infection of the prostate or urethra Inherited traits or genetic factors Thyroid problems Erectile dysfunction (rushing to maintain erection) Many men experience a combination of these factors. Your doctor can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments.

There are a number of treatment options to help control and prevent PE, including self-control techniques, counselling and wearing thick condoms to reduce sensation. If you are in a relationship, you might want to consider having couples therapy. There are also medicines available that may help. For example, here at Access Doctor as part of our men’s health range, we offer EMLA Cream, a topical anaesthetic that can be applied directly to the penis. We also offer Priligy (dapoxetine hydrochloride). This prescription medicine is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which inhibits your body’s impulse to orgasm. Take a look at our range today to find the right treatment for you, and don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions.

Ejaculation is the process in which semen is expelled from the male body. This sexual response occurs due to stimulation of nerve endings in the penis and brain. When sexually stimulated, signals are sent from the brain down to the reproductive organs and contractions in the pelvic area cause an emission of semen, or ejaculate. The contraction then forces this seminal fluid to escape through small tubes called vas deferens to collect in the urethra. A final contraction during expulsion allows for the forceful ejection of semen from the penis. Ejaculation can be voluntary or involuntary; however, generally speaking it follows a predictable pattern that has two phases- emission and expulsion. Emission happens when sperm and seminal fluid travel from the testes and move towards the urethra. During this time, muscles of both used and unused portions of vas deferens will contract to help push sperm along. The second stage starts as a powerful feeling that comes with strong muscle contractions near your anus that intensify until you ejaculate - otherwise known as “ejection” or “expulsion” phase. Towards completion, as many as two or three further muscular contractions occur involving different muscles throughout your pelvic floor that result in release of semen.

A man is said to have premature ejaculation if he ejaculates sooner during the course of sexual activity than either he or his partner would like. If something like this happens on a regular basis and causes you distress, then it is likely a medical condition rather than just an occasional occurrence that doesn't warrant concern.

It is believed that premature ejaculation is brought on by a confluence of physiological, psychological, and environmental factors; however, the precise reason for this condition is not completely understood. 1. Psychological Causes Ejaculation, sexual interest, and arousal are just a few of the many aspects of sexual function that are heavily influenced by the mind. Ejaculating too soon can be caused by a number of different psychological factors, including the following: Early Sexual Experiences: Some theories suggest that early sexual experiences may establish a pattern that can be difficult to change later in life. For example, situations in which you may have felt rushed to reach climax in order to avoid being discovered are examples of patterns that may have been established as a result of early sexual experiences. Abuse Sexual: A person's sexual function can be negatively impacted by past trauma, including sexual abuse, which can also contribute to premature ejaculation. Negative feelings about one's own body and sexual prowess can create a sense of anxiety around sex, which can lead to premature ejaculation. This can be caused by having a poor body image and having low self-esteem. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can have a negative impact on sexual performance. It is possible for a man to experience premature ejaculation if he is anxious about how well he performs sexually. Both sexual desire and function can be negatively impacted by depression. Guilt and Worry: Feelings of guilt about sex or worry about sexual performance can lead to a cycle of anxiety and premature ejaculation. Anxiety and premature ejaculation can lead to a vicious cycle. High levels of stress can disrupt the normal function of the body's nervous system, which can result in premature ejaculation. 2. Biological Causes There are a number of biological factors that could be to blame for premature ejaculation, including the following: Disturbances in Hormone Levels: Disturbances in hormone levels, particularly testosterone levels, have been shown to have an effect on ejaculation. Inherited Traits It is possible that certain men have a genetic predisposition to experience problems with premature ejaculation. Abnormally High or Low Levels of Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are responsible for the transmission of signals in your brain. The beginning of ejaculation can be affected by an imbalance in any of these chemicals, but particularly serotonin. Inflammation and Infection: Premature ejaculation can be caused by inflammation or infection of either the prostate or the urethra. Trauma to the Nerves: Trauma to the nerves that are involved in the ejaculatory process can cause premature ejaculation. This may be the result of an injury or surgical procedure, most commonly prostate surgery. It is essential to keep in mind that these potential causes are not exclusive of one another. For instance, a man may experience premature ejaculation for a number of reasons, including anxiety (which is a psychological factor) and an imbalance in the levels of serotonin (a biological factor). Understanding and treating premature ejaculation typically requires the assistance of a trained medical professional who can perform a comprehensive evaluation on the patient.

There are a few more nuances to this condition, but the primary symptom of premature ejaculation is an inability to delay ejaculating during sexual activity. This is the primary symptom of premature ejaculation. Rapid Ejaculation: This is the primary symptom of premature ejaculation, and it typically refers to ejaculation that takes place within one minute of vaginal penetration. Premature ejaculation is a sign that a woman's ovaries are not fully developed. However, this condition can be diagnosed in any circumstance in which a man believes he does not have sufficient control over ejaculating. The most important thing to consider is whether or not both the man and his partner are upset or discontent with the current situation. A Pattern That Is Frequent Or Recurrent: Occasional premature ejaculation is Usually Not a Cause for Concern, but a pattern that occurs frequently or repeatedly should be. It is possible that you have a pattern of premature ejaculation if between fifty and sixty percent of your sexual encounters over the past half a year have involved ejaculating before the desired time. Lack of ejaculatory control: One more important symptom is an inability to control ejaculatory function. This means that ejaculation occurs frequently with minimal stimulation and before the person wishes, leading to a sexual encounter that is short and unsatisfactory for both partners. In addition, ejaculation may occur with minimal stimulation and before the person wishes. Negative Personal Consequences: This includes distress, embarrassment, frustration, and avoidance of sexual intimacy. The psychological aspects of premature ejaculation often have as much (or more) of an impact as the physical aspect. The resulting stress can create a cycle of anxiety and further premature ejaculation. On the basis of these symptoms, premature ejaculation can be further subdivided into two different types: This type of premature ejaculation (PE) is characterised by symptoms that have been present since the first sexual experience and continue to persist consistently or nearly consistently throughout life. Lifelong premature ejaculation is also known as primary premature ejaculation.

As the causes of PE can be both psychological and biological, the treatment approach can vary greatly depending on the individual. Here are some options: 1. Behavioural Techniques/ Behavioural therapy/Couples therapy These are methods that you can do on your own that have the potential to assist you in delaying ejaculatory activity. It is important to note that premature ejaculation does not necessarily prevent individuals from engaging in satisfying sexual relationships. Here are a few considerations and strategies that may help: Open communication: Talk openly and honestly with your partner about the issue. Discuss your concerns, feelings, and desires regarding sexual intimacy. Communication is key in any relationship and can help create a supportive and understanding environment Mutual exploration: Focus on other aspects of sexual intimacy besides intercourse. Engage in activities such as foreplay, kissing, manual stimulation, oral sex, or using sex toys. By expanding the focus beyond penetration, both partners can experience pleasure and intimacy regardless of the duration of intercourse Foreplay and arousal: Spend more time on foreplay to increase arousal levels before penetration. This can help build excitement and delay ejaculation. Experiment with different techniques and activities that bring pleasure to both partners The "start-stop" technique: This technique involves the man or their partner stimulating the penis until they feel they are nearing ejaculation. At that point, stimulation is stopped, and pressure is applied to the base of the penis to reduce arousal. Once the urge to ejaculate subsides, stimulation can resume. This method can help in developing control over ejaculation. The "squeeze" technique: Similar to the "start-stop" technique, this method involves squeezing the base of the penis when the man feels close to ejaculation. The pressure applied helps reduce arousal and delay ejaculation. After the urge to ejaculate decreases, sexual activity can resume. Seeking professional help: If premature ejaculation continues to be a concern and affects your overall well-being and sexual relationships, consider consulting a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance, support, and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as therapy or medications, based on your specific situation 2. Topical Anaesthetics: Anaesthetic creams and sprays that contain a numbing agent, such as lidocaine or prilocaine, can be utilised as a treatment option for premature ejaculation. These products are applied to the penis just prior to sexual activity in order to lessen sensation and, as a result, assist in delaying ejaculatory release. It is possible that using a condom will help reduce the numbing effect felt by the other partner. 3. Oral medication: A number of medications can delay ejaculatory function. Antidepressants, analgesics, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are just some of the medications that are used to treat premature ejaculation, despite the fact that none of these medications have been specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat premature ejaculation. Antidepressants: Particular antidepressants, in addition to topical anaesthetic creams, are often prescribed for the treatment of premature ejaculation. A delayed or delayed orgasm can be a side effect of certain antidepressants. Examples of medications that are known to cause a delay in ejaculation include those classified as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Analgesics: Certain analgesic medications, such as Tramadol, are sometimes utilised in the treatment of premature ejaculation. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: Some of the medications that are used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), might also help premature ejaculation. 4. Counselling: This approach, which is also known as talk therapy or psychological therapy, entails discussing your relationships and experiences with a mental health counsellor. These sessions are designed to help you find more effective ways to deal with stress and find solutions to problems, as well as reduce performance anxiety. When combined with medical treatment, counselling has the best chance of being beneficial to the patient. 5. Exercises for the Pelvic Floor If you have weak muscles in your pelvic floor, it may be difficult for you to delay ejaculating. These muscles can be strengthened through the practise of pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises. 6. PDE5 Inhibitors: Some men who suffer from erectile dysfunction may also experience premature ejaculation. In such cases, using PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), or tadalafil (Cialis) may help. Even though each of these treatments has the potential to be successful, it is essential to keep in mind that the treatment that is most successful will vary from person to person depending on their unique set of circumstances. This involves taking into account both the factors that lead to premature ejaculation as well as one's own preferences. It is always recommended to confer with a qualified medical expert in order to discuss the choice that is most appropriate.

Ejaculation is a complex reflex involving the brain, nerves, hormones, and muscles. Sexual stimulation sends signals to the brain and spinal cord, building arousal. When arousal reaches a threshold, the point of "ejaculatory inevitability" is reached - after this point, ejaculation cannot be stopped. Semen is propelled through the urethra by rhythmic muscle contractions. In men with PE, this threshold is reached too quickly, often due to heightened sensitivity, anxiety, or imbalanced neurotransmitters like serotonin. Treatments work by either raising this threshold (Priligy) or reducing sensitivity to delay reaching it (Emla Cream).

The speed depends on which treatment you choose. Emla Cream works within 10-20 minutes of application, making it ideal for spontaneous use. Priligy (dapoxetine) tablets should be taken 1-3 hours before sexual activity and remain effective for several hours. Most men notice significant improvement from the first use, with Priligy increasing time to ejaculation by 3-4 times on average. Consistency with treatment often leads to better results and increased confidence over time.

Yes, premature ejaculation is extremely common. Research indicates that between 30-40% of men experience PE at some point in their lives, making it the most common male sexual dysfunction. It affects men of all ages, though it's slightly more prevalent in younger men. Despite how common it is, many men feel embarrassed to seek help - but you shouldn't. PE is a recognized medical condition with effective treatments, and seeking help is a positive step towards improving your sexual health and relationships.

While PE can't always be "cured" in the traditional sense, it can be very effectively managed and often resolves completely with the right approach. For some men, particularly those with psychological causes, PE may improve with treatment and then not return. Medications like Priligy and Emla Cream provide reliable control when used as directed. Behavioural techniques such as the "stop-start" method and pelvic floor exercises can also provide long-term improvement. Many men find that combining treatments with reduced performance anxiety leads to lasting improvement, even after stopping medication.

Priligy (dapoxetine) is an oral tablet that works systemically by affecting brain chemistry to delay ejaculation. It's taken 1-3 hours before sex and is suitable for regular use. Emla Cream is a topical treatment applied directly to the penis to reduce sensitivity. It works locally and faster (10-20 minutes) but must be washed off before sexual contact to avoid affecting your partner. Priligy tends to be more effective for severe PE, while Emla offers a non-tablet option with minimal side effects. Some men try both to see which works best for them.

Both treatments are generally well-tolerated. Priligy's most common side effects include nausea, dizziness, headache, and diarrhoea - usually mild and temporary. It shouldn't be taken with alcohol or certain medications. Emla Cream may cause temporary numbness, slight skin irritation, or redness at the application site. It's important to wash it off thoroughly before intercourse to prevent transferring numbness to your partner. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult with a pharmacist if you have concerns.

Yes, both Priligy and prescription-strength treatments require a prescription in the UK. However, our online service makes this simple - complete a short medical questionnaire, and our registered pharmacists will review it to issue a prescription if suitable. This ensures the treatment is safe for you and considers any other medications or health conditions. The entire process is confidential and typically completed the same day.

When used correctly, these treatments shouldn't negatively affect your partner. With Priligy, there's no direct effect on your partner as it's an oral medication. With Emla Cream, it's crucial to wash it off thoroughly before sexual contact to avoid transferring the numbing effect. Many partners appreciate the longer, more satisfying sexual experiences these treatments can enable. Open communication with your partner about treatment can actually strengthen your relationship and reduce performance anxiety.

This depends on what medications you're taking. Priligy shouldn't be used with other SSRIs, MAOIs, certain pain medications, or recreational drugs. It's also not recommended with medications for erectile dysfunction without medical advice. Emla Cream has fewer drug interactions but should be used cautiously with other local anaesthetics. Always disclose all medications you're taking during your online consultation so our pharmacists can check for interactions and ensure your safety.

Yes, several techniques can complement medical treatment. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) strengthen the muscles that control ejaculation. The "stop-start" technique and "squeeze" method help you recognize and control the point of ejaculatory inevitability. Reducing stress through mindfulness, exercise, and adequate sleep can help. Some men find wearing thicker condoms reduces sensitivity. However, for moderate to severe PE, these techniques work best when combined with medical treatments like Priligy or Emla Cream for faster, more reliable results.