What causes premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common condition that affects many men, regardless of their age. It occurs when a man ejaculates too quickly, often with minimal or no sexual stimulation. This can lead to frustration, embarrassment, and relationship difficulties. But what exactly causes premature ejaculation, and can it be treated effectively? Let’s explore the causes and potential treatments for this condition.

Key Takeaways

What Causes Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation happens when a man ejaculates too quickly during sex. It can be lifelong (starting in puberty) or acquired (developing later). Causes include performance anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Lifelong cases may stem from learned behaviours or psychological factors.

Treatment Options

Premature ejaculation can be treated with:

• Psychological therapy like counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to manage anxiety or past trauma.

• Topical treatments like Emla cream or Stud 100 to reduce sensitivity.

• Oral medication such as Priligy (dapoxetine) to delay ejaculation.

Lifestyle Changes Help Too

Reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and openly communicating with your partner can improve sexual performance and help manage premature ejaculation.

What is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is a condition where a man ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like during sexual activity. While there is no universally defined "normal" duration for sex, premature ejaculation generally refers to ejaculation that happens in less than two minutes or before penetration. For many, this can be a source of distress.

Causes of Premature Ejaculation

The causes of premature ejaculation are varied, and they can differ from one man to another. It can either be lifelong (starting in puberty) or acquired (developing later in life). Understanding these causes is key to addressing the condition effectively.

Lifelong Premature Ejaculation

Lifelong premature ejaculation typically begins during adolescence and may be a learned response. For example, a man may have conditioned himself to ejaculate quickly to avoid being caught masturbating during his younger years. Unfortunately, this habit can become ingrained, making it difficult to unlearn.

Additionally, lifelong premature ejaculation may be triggered by psychological factors such as sexual trauma in childhood or cultural/religious taboos surrounding sex. In these cases, treatment may involve counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to explore the underlying psychological causes.

Acquired Premature Ejaculation

Acquired premature ejaculation, on the other hand, develops later in life. This is far more common than lifelong premature ejaculation and can arise for several reasons.

• Performance anxiety: Men may experience premature ejaculation with new or casual partners due to nervousness or the fear of not performing well. This anxiety can then create a vicious cycle—worrying about ejaculating too quickly increases the likelihood of it happening.

• Stress and mental health: Stress, depression, or anxiety can all impact a man’s sexual health and contribute to premature ejaculation. Mental health problems can interfere with the body’s natural response to sexual stimulation, leading to earlier ejaculation.

• Relationship issues: Problems within a relationship, whether due to a lack of intimacy, communication issues, or unresolved conflict, can also contribute to premature ejaculation. Emotional and psychological factors often play a significant role in sexual performance.

• Physical health conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as  high blood pressure, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis, can contribute to premature ejaculation. These conditions can affect the nervous system, blood flow, or hormone regulation, all of which play a role in sexual function.

How Do I Know if I Have Premature Ejaculation?

There is no strict rule about how long sex should last. Sexual preferences, timing, and expectations vary between individuals and couples. What may feel "too quick" for one person may be perfectly fine for another. However, if you are ejaculating in less than two minutes, or before penetration, it’s likely that you are experiencing premature ejaculation.

A study of 500 couples across five countries found that the average time it takes for a man to ejaculate during intercourse is approximately 5.5 minutes. If you find that you are finishing significantly sooner than that and it’s affecting your or your partner's satisfaction, it may be time to seek a solution.

Treatment Options for Premature Ejaculation

Fortunately, there are various treatments available to help men manage premature ejaculation. These range from psychological therapies to medications and topical treatments. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective approaches:

Psychological Help

For some men, premature ejaculation may be linked to psychological factors such as anxiety or past trauma. In these cases, counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be highly effective in addressing the underlying causes of the condition. Speaking to a therapist can help to reduce performance anxiety and improve confidence, which in turn can reduce premature ejaculation.

Topical Treatments

One approach to treating premature ejaculation is to reduce sensitivity in the penis. This can be achieved with topical treatments such as EMLA cream or Stud 100. These products contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic that temporarily desensitises the area, allowing for longer-lasting sexual activity.

Oral Medications

Another highly effective treatment for premature ejaculation is Priligy. Priligy (also known as dapoxetine) is a prescription tablet that helps men last longer by improving control over ejaculation. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps delay ejaculation.

At UK Meds, we offer a variety of premature ejaculation treatments, including Priligy,  EMLA cream and Stud 100 . You can easily access these products through our online clinic and prescription service.

Prevention and Lifestyle Changes

While medications and treatments can be helpful, making certain lifestyle changes can also have a positive impact on sexual health. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Reduce stress: Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, or mindfulness can reduce anxiety and improve sexual function.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can support overall health and improve sexual performance.

• Communication: Openly communicating with your partner about your concerns and desires can help reduce pressure and make sexual encounters more enjoyable for both parties.

Final Thoughts

Premature ejaculation is a common condition that can affect men of all ages. While it may cause frustration, it is treatable with the right approach. Whether through psychological therapy, medications like Priligy, or topical treatments such as EMLA cream and Stud 100, men have a range of options to help manage premature ejaculation.

If you suspect you are experiencing premature ejaculation, consider discussing the issue with a healthcare professional who can recommend the most suitable treatment for you. Remember, you don’t have to face this condition alone—help is available.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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Sources

Dapoxetine in men with premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction - NHS Health Research Authority

DAPOXETINE tablets (Priligy®) | NHS Pan Mersey