PREMATURE EJACULATION

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation refers to persistent, repeated, uncontrollable and undesired ejaculation, following minimal sexual arousal and in less than a minute after vaginal penetration.

It has negative effects, such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Disappointment
  • Avoidance of sexual intimacy

Risk factors

The risk factors are the following:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Ethnicity (more common in black men and men from the Middle East)
  • Obesity
  • Inflammation of the prostate
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Emotional disorders

Types of Premature Ejaculation

There are two types of premature ejaculation:

  • Primary (chronic)

In this case, the problem is present upon the first sexual experience and lasts for a lifetime.

Ejaculation occurs very quickly, just before or within about one minute of effecting vaginal penetration.

  • Secondary (acquired)

It develops gradually or suddenly, with no previous indications of the problem.

Causes

Causes vary according to the type of premature ejaculation.

Secondary premature ejaculation is due to organic or psychological etiology.

Organic factors comprise:

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Chronic prostatitis

Psychological factors comprise:

  • Performance anxiety during sexual contact
  • Stress
  • Relationship issues

Primary premature ejaculation is partially due to genetic factors affecting the transport system of a neurotransmitter called serotonin.

Diagnosis

A urology-andrology consultant, experienced in Sexual Medicine, can help in the diagnosis and treatment of the problem.

Sexual history:

This refers to information required for the diagnosis of the problem, such as:

  • Time of onset
  • Mode of onset
  • Mode of manifestation (occasionally or constantly)
  • Time passed to ejaculation
  • Impact on the relationship and sexual life

Medical history:

  • Clinical examination
  • Lab tests
  • Filling out a specialized questionnaire

Treatment

Treatment is varied and depends on the type of premature ejaculation (primary, secondary).

In cases where it is caused by another disease (secondary premature ejaculation), such as chronic prostatitis or hyperthyroidism, then treating the underlying disease will help solve the problem.

Primary premature ejaculation is treated with medication and psychosexual treatment sessions.