Premature ejaculation is one of men’s best kept secrets, coincidentally, it is also a very common condition.
One in every three men between the ages of 18-59 experience PE, yet they hardly seek help or speak up.
What is premature ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation is a situation where semen leaves the body sooner than wanted during sex.
2 basic characteristics are;
- Inability to control ejaculation
- Feeling of sadness afterwards
Premature ejaculation is one of the major causes of strain in relationships.
Why men don’t speak up
Although PE is common, most men suffering from it do not seek medical attention or talk about it.
Here are some reasons why:
- Embarrassment and shame – Men feel less masculine or ashamed because of it.
- Cultural and social stigma – Society portrays the male gender as dominant, making it difficult for them to admit challenges.
- Lack of awareness – Some men believe PE is natural, and just how their body works.
- Fear of judgement – Men fear ridicule from both partner be health professionals, so they choose not to discuss it.
This silence leads to stress, low self esteem and relationship issues, when in reality, premature ejaculation can be treated using the right approach.
There’re 2 major types
- Lifelong or primary PE
- Acquired or Secondary PE
Lifelong premature ejaculation starts from a man’s first sexual experience and continues throughout life.
It is mostly due to biological factors like hypersensitivity of the penis, or hormonal imbalance.
Acquired or secondary PE develops after years of normal sexual function.
It is usually caused by psychological stress, medical conditions or relationship issues.
Causes of premature ejaculation
Causes of premature ejaculation are categorized into psychological, biological and lifestyle factors.
- Psychological causes
These are mental and emotional factors that interfere with sexual control. They include:
- Performance anxiety – Overthinking about sexual performance.
- Stress and depression
- Early sexual conditioning – Growing up in an environment where sex wasn’t taught
- Relationship problems – Unresolved conflicts or lack of emotional connection.
- Biological causes
These are physical and hormonal factors that make ejaculation difficult to control. They include:
- Hypersensitivity of the penis
- Hormonal imbalance
- Neurotransmitter imbalance
- Inflammation of the urethra or prostate
- Erectile dysfunction
- Lifestyle and external factors
- Excessive pornography use
- Lack of exercise and poor diet
- Substance use and abuse (Alcohol, nicotine and drugs)
What’re the solutions to this problem?
Good news is that, premature ejaculation can be treated with the right approach.
The key is identifying the underlying cause, and using targeted solutions.
- For psychological causes: If stress, anxiety or mental conditioning is the root cause, these methods can help
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, where negative thoughts about sex are reframed
- Sex therapy and counseling, to ease anxiety
- Meditation and breathing exercises to reduce sexual tension
- For biological causes: If hormonal imbalances or hypersensitivity are the issue, consider:
- Medications like antidepressants to increase serotonin levels and delay ejaculation.
- Topical anesthetics like lidocaine to help numb the penis and reduce sensitivity
- Testosterone treatment therapy and prostate treatment (If inflammation is present)
Behavioural techniques for PE
Regardless of the cause, these techniques help most men:
- Stop/start method: This is when you pause stroking right before ejaculation, then resume when the feeling passes.
- Squeeze technique: This entails squeezing the tip of the penis when close to climax to prevent ejaculation.
- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): These exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor and improve control of ejaculation.
How to do kegels
- Contract the pelvic muscles like you’re trying to stop urine flow
- Hold for 5 seconds, then relax
- Repeat 10-15 times daily.
Premature ejaculation is a common but treatable condition.
Many men suffer in silence, believing they’re alone but they’re not.
Understanding the cause is the first step to finding the right solution.
If it is psychological, therapy, communication and relaxation can help.
If it is biological, medications or topical treatment may be necessary.
If it is due to lifestyle, small changes can go a long way.
If PE is affecting your confidence or relationship, talk to a healthcare professional.
With the right approach, you can regain control and improve your sexual wellbeing.
By Pharm.Oluoma @zizelle
