Overview Of Premature Ejaculation
Premature Ejaculation is when a man has an orgasm sooner during intercourse than desired.
Causes Of Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is a common complaint. It is thought to be caused by psychological factors or physical problems. The condition often improves without treatment.
Symptoms
The man ejaculates before he would like (prematurely). This may range from before penetration to a point just after penetration. It may leave the couple feeling unsatisfied.
Exams & Tests
Your health care provider may do a physical exam and talk with you about your sex life and medical history. Your provider also may do blood or urine tests to rule out any physical problems.
Treatment Of Premature Ejaculation
Practice and relaxation can help you deal with the problem. There are helpful techniques you can try.
The “stop and start” method:
This technique involves sexually stimulating the man until he feels like he is about to reach orgasm. Stop the stimulation for about 30 seconds and then start it again. Repeat this pattern until the man wants to ejaculate. The last time, continue stimulation until the man reaches orgasm.
The “squeeze” method:
- This technique to treat premature ejaculation involves sexually stimulating the man until he recognizes that he is about to ejaculate. At that point, the man or his partner gently squeezes the end of the penis (where the glans meets the shaft) for several seconds. Stop sexual stimulation for about 30 seconds, and then start it again. The person or couple may repeat this pattern until the man wants to ejaculate. The last time, continue stimulation until the man reaches orgasm.
- Antidepressants, such as Prozac and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often prescribed to treat premature ejaculation. These medicines can increase the time it takes to reach ejaculation.
- You can apply a local anesthetic cream or spray to the penis to reduce stimulation. Decreased feeling in the penis may delay ejaculation. Condom use also may have this effect for some men.
- Other medicines used for erectile dysfunction may help. Some studies show that using a combination of behavioral techniques and medicines may be most effective.
- Evaluation by a sex therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist may help some couples.
