Premature ejaculation is uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration, with minimal sexual stimulation and before the person wishes. Premature ejaculation is also known as, rapid ejaculation, rapid climax, premature climax or early ejaculation.
It may result in an unsatisfactory sexual experience for both partners. This can increase the anxiety that may contribute to the problem. Premature ejaculation is one of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction and has probably affected every man at some point in his life - 25%-40% of men. Estimates vary, but some experts think it affects as many as one out of three men.
Premature ejaculation is a common sexual disorder. Even though it’s a common problem that can be treated, many men feel embarrassed to talk to their doctors about it or seek treatment.
Once thought to be purely psychological, experts now know that biological factors also play an important role in premature ejaculation. In some men, premature ejaculation is related to erectile dysfunction.
Most sex therapists understand premature ejaculation as occurring when a lack of ejaculatory control interferes with sexual or emotional well-being in one or both partners.
Most cases of premature ejaculation do not have a clear cause. With sexual experience and age, men often learn to delay orgasm. Premature ejaculation may occur with a new partner, only in certain sexual situations, or if it has been a long time since the last ejaculation. Psychological factors such as anxiety, guilt, or depression can cause premature ejaculation. In some cases, premature ejaculation may be related to an underlying medical cause such as hormonal problems, injury, or a side effect of certain medicines.
There’s no medical standard for how long it should take a man to ejaculate. The primary sign of premature ejaculation is ejaculation that occurs before both partners wish in the majority of sexual encounters, causing concern or distress.
The problem may occur in all sexual situations, including during masturbation — or it may only occur during sexual encounters with another person.
Doctors often classify premature ejaculation as either primary or secondary:
- You have primary premature ejaculation if you have had the problem for as long as you’ve been sexually active.
- You have secondary premature ejaculation if you developed the condition after having had previous, satisfying sexual relationships without ejaculatory problems.
A continued lack of ejaculatory control may lead to sexual dissatisfaction on the part of either or both partners and may be a factor in sexual tension or discord in the relationship. |
