Premature ejaculation (sometimes called PE) happens when a man ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like during sexual intercourse. Infrequent occurrences of premature ejaculation are considered normal and are more common than you may think.
However, suppose you almost always ejaculate prematurely (typically within 1 to 3 minutes of penetration) or cannot delay ejaculation most of the time during intercourse. In that case, a health care provider may diagnose you with premature ejaculation.
Diagnosed premature ejaculation falls into two different classifications:
Both of these classifications of premature ejaculation can be treated.
The exact causes of premature ejaculation are unknown; however, some possible causes may play a role in premature ejaculation, such as:
Premature ejaculation may occur more frequently with age. Certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression increase premature ejaculation. A history of sexual abuse or trauma may also increase your risk.
Premature ejaculation signs and symptoms include the following:
Pelvic floor exercises: Having a weak pelvic floor may be what’s keeping you from delaying ejaculation. Doing pelvic floor exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles can help prevent premature ejaculation.
Kegel Exercises: These exercises for men involve contracting muscles at the base of the penis to pull inwards and tighten as if to stop urination.
Generally, there is no significant difference between Kegel and pelvic floor exercises since they both aim to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
Pause and squeeze technique: This method involves your partner squeezing the head of your penis until you no longer feel the need to ejaculate. You and your partner may have to repeat this several times until you start entering your partner without ejaculating.
ICU Technique
Condoms: Sometimes, sensitivity can contribute to premature ejaculation. In general, condoms can help decrease that sensitivity and delay ejaculation. You can easily find over-the-counter condoms containing numbing agents that control when you climax and delay ejaculation.
Topical medications: Numbing creams or sprays may be applied to the penis 20 to 30 minutes before sex and removed 5 to 10 minutes before intercourse.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are often used as first-line pharmacotherapy for depression and numerous other psychiatric disorders due to their safety, efficacy, and tolerability. A common off-label use of SSRIs is Premature Ejaculation.
Therapy: Speaking with professional psychologists specializing in mental and sexual health can address potential mental health issues causing premature ejaculation. Many therapies may treat premature ejaculation, such as behaviour therapy and psychological therapy.
Regular Exercise
Aerobic exercise prior to intercourse
