Contributed by: Abshar Faheem
Understanding premature ejaculation
Ejaculation is the ejection of semen from the men’s body during an orgasm or climax. Premature ejaculation is also known as rapid ejaculation, premature climax, or early ejaculation, a condition in which orgasm occurs before sexual intercourse or just after you start. There is no fixed time of ejaculation during sex but in the case of PE, men ejaculate and lose their erection shortly getting less time to enjoy the sexual intercourse.
PE or premature ejaculation can be frustrating and uncomfortable for men that make sex less enjoyable and can impact relationships with their partners, however, it may not be a cause of worry if it occurs occasionally. PE is a common condition among men and around 30 to 40 percent of them have it at some point in their life. PE is considered a sexual dysfunction that can often occur along with erectile dysfunction however, it is not the same as erectile dysfunction.
Symptoms of premature ejaculation
- The primary symptoms of PE can be persistent and lifelong including
- Ejaculation happens just before sexual penetration
- There can be a failure to delay ejaculation whenever penetration occurs
- Rapid orgasm or climax during masturbation
- There can be negative personal consequences such as distress, frustration, and ignoring sexual intimacy
In addition, psychological symptoms can be secondary including
- Depression
- Embarrassment
- Anxiety
- Mental distress
- Interpersonal difficulty
- Decreased confidence in the relationship
Premature ejaculation may not be a matter of worry if it happens occasionally, however, you may require treatment if PE happens frequently or for a long period. If men experience PE sometimes, however, normal ejaculation other times, they may be diagnosed with natural variable premature ejaculation. PE may be lifelong as well as acquired; however, if it happens at the start of a relationship, it can be fixed as the relationship goes on. IF PE is persistent and continues that impact sexual relationships, your doctor may recommend counseling.
Causes of premature ejaculation
The exact cause of PE is still unknown while researchers believe that a chemical called serotonin can contribute partly to PE. Serotonin is an essential substance or chemical in your body produced by nerve cells. Great amounts of serotonin in the brain enhance the time to ejaculate however, low amounts of serotonin can reduce the time to ejaculate, and lead to PE. In addition, Psychological and emotional factors may also contribute to PE.
Psychological factors
Numerous cases of PE are not associated with any disease however those can be due to psychological or emotional factors including
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Relationship problems
- Poor body image
- Lack of confidence
- Worry about sexual performance
- Negative feelings about sex
- Unrealistic expectations about sex
- Poor self-esteem
- History of sexual abuse
- Aging
- Overexcitement or too much stimulation
- Issues related to control and intimacy
Some psychological factors may be temporary if a person learns strategies to delay ejaculation with time. However, these factors can also affect men who have previously normal ejaculation.
Physical or medical factors
PE can also occur due to an underlying condition and it can be a sign that an underlying needs treatment. The possible medical causes of PE including
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Prostate disease
- Thyroid Problems
- Illicit drugs use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Abnormal levels of hormones including testosterone
- Inflammation of the urethra
- Genetic traits that can be inherited by parents
Sometimes, men with erectile dysfunction can also face problems of PE. Treatment of erectile dysfunction may cause premature ejaculation to go away.
Diagnosis and treatment
Men who feel symptoms of PE should talk to their healthcare provider or doctor immediately. They ask whether you always experience the symptoms or just have experienced it recently. They can also ask about your sexual life or relationship. They may also take a physical exam. If your doctor finds out that psychological factors are playing a role in your PE, he or she can recommend a mental health professional. If a medical or physical problem is causing PE, he or she may recommend a urologist.
The treatments of PE include medication, behavioral therapy, and psychological therapy. 95 percent of cases can be treated by behavioral techniques while others may also help including:
- Stop and start therapy
- The squeeze method
- Strengthen your muscles through pelvic floor exercises
- Wearing condom
- Seek counseling
- Antidepressants
- Medication for erectile dysfunction
- Numbing creams and sprays
- Talking with your partner
- Practice yoga and pranayama daily
- Stop fantasizing too much about sex or women
Best foods to prevent or manage premature ejaculation
Certain nutrients and foods not only support your immunity but also helps in producing testosterone, libido, and energy. The nutrients and foods include
- Foods rich in zinc including lean meats, poultry eggs, lentils, etc
- Pumpkin seeds
- Soybeans
- Yogurt
- Spinach
- Almonds
- Kidney beans
- Chickpeas
- Dark chocolate
- Peas
- Garlic
- Green onion
- Ginger and honey
- Ladyfinger
- Carrots
- Watermelon
- Bananas
Lifestyle habits can be helpful to cure premature ejaculation
To maintain an erection you should avoid the following food items and lifestyle habits including:
- Sugar
- Starchy food
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Junk food
- Stress
- Depression
The bottom line
Men with premature ejaculation should talk with their doctors as soon as possible because the complications associated with it can impact your relationship and prevent you from starting a family. If home remedies are not helping you, you should discuss them with your doctor because your PE may be caused due to an underlying condition. Treatment of an underlying condition is imperative as it can also affect your overall general health.
