Premature ejaculation is a common sexual disorder that affects men on a large scale. It is usually characterized by persistent or recurrent ejaculation within a short period making it difficult to copulate as they need very little stimulation. Since the orgasm is achieved before both partners are satisfied, it often leads to discomfort and distress between them. It also leads to a lot of emotional and psychological turmoil which could undermine the partner’s confidence to engage in sexual activity. So why does that happen and what should be done? Is it okay to suffer in silence? We believe it isn’t and there are ways to control premature ejaculation which will be discussed in this article.
What are the causes of premature ejaculation?
The exact causes of premature ejaculation are unclear but scientists believe that it includes a mixture of psychological, physiological, and interpersonal factors. Some potential risks could include-
Psychological factors
Though many would want to believe otherwise, mental health would be a determinant in your sex life. People who feel anxious and get stressed by the act or in their personal lives could find it difficult to hold it in. This could be trouble in the office or a problem that needs fixing. Additionally, people who are known to face performance anxiety also are victims of premature ejaculation. Being a first-timer, you could doubt your potential to satisfy your partner, which could throw you off your game.
Biological factors
So are all the instances solely psychological? The answer is no. Sometimes the problem could lie in your body and rectifying it could be the only solution. Doctors have often treated patients who have hormonal imbalances in their bodies including serotonin which is a mood enhancer. Moreover, people who have premature ejaculatory ancestors could inherit the gene. Researchers have also linked the existence of this condition to males who have prostate-related infections and inflammation.
Erectile Dysfunction(ED)
Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the males find it difficult to achieve an erection. This could be due to multiple causes as well. Males who have erectile dysfunction also are known to be victims of premature ejaculation. Researchers believe that this could be to mitigate the circumstances that might require them to maintain longer periods of erection.
Neurological factor
Our body is made of delicate chains of neurons that respond and react according to our needs and sometimes know what we want more than we might feel. However, akin to any complex system, our nervous system is also prone to making mistakes and its margin increases especially when you are engaged in a sophisticated activity like sex. Therefore your body could misread the reflex as a threat and prevent you from taking time while ejaculating. Moreover, it can also cause an increased response to stimuli and senses.
How do you control premature ejaculation?
Controlling premature ejaculation is not an easy task. Nevertheless, it has been made possible through many steps that the individual needs to follow with endless support from their partner. They include-
Practice kegel exercises
Exercise is a solution to most of our problems and comes in handy in this case as well. Kegel exercises when performed regularly could be extremely beneficial and can become a part of your lifestyle. The exercise involves the contracting and relaxing of the pelvic muscle floor. To locate them, you should stop urinating midstream. Once you feel the pressure, practice contracting and holding these muscles for at least a few seconds. You can gradually increase the strength and pace of this exercise.
Start-stop technique
Another technique needed to maintain a steady ejaculation time is the start-and-stop technique. While engaging in sexual activity, stop when you are close to climaxing. Cease all stimulations. Once the sensation completely recedes, resume the activity and repeat it for as long as required. This could help you go for longer timelines if you want.
Squeeze techniques
This is a close relative of the technique above. When you indulge in the start-stop technique, ensure you squeeze the penis head for about 30 seconds. You could wait until all stimulation goes away and then resume the activity which may delay ejaculation.
Deep breathing
Focus on slow deep breathing exercises while enjoying sexual activity. You could do so by inhaling deeply, holding it in for a minute, and then releasing it. If stress or anxiety is your enemy, this might be the right way to deal with it.
Desensitizing creams or sprays
There are a lot of creams and lotions available in the market that delay the release of sperm. However, their usage should be done cautiously as might not be as effective for some as much for others.
Distraction technique
This involves creating a distraction around the moment you are about to climax. Similar to its counterparts mentioned above, this one too tries to trick your brain into going into normal mode and then rebooting it again and again. You should not only stop physical stimulation but verbal as well to divert the attention of your mind.
Openly communicate
Your partner should be able to talk to you about their problems before engaging in sexual activity. Listen to them and discuss the problems with them before starting or using any techniques.
Also Read: How To Fix Low Testosterone
Conclusion
Sex is never done in isolation. There are always partner/s involved who need to give their consent and support for the activity they are participating in. If you are currently dealing with relationship issues or are not comfortable with copulation, chances are you might end up ejaculating faster than you should otherwise. Trust issues and anger among couples have also been linked to premature ejaculation in men. Talking to a therapist should be number one among your priorities once you feel that you have Premature ejaculation. They could relieve your stress and anxiety regarding the act and the chemistry. Open every line of communication and opt for a suitable way to deal with it collectively rather than individually which could end up making no progress in the area.
References
- Porst H., Montorsi F., Rosen R.C., Gaynor L., Grupe S., Alexander J. The Premature Ejaculation Prevalence and Attitudes (PEPA) Survey: Prevalence, Comorbidities, and Professional Help-Seeking. Eur. Urol. 2007;51:816–824. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Althof, S., Abdo, C., Dean, J., Hackett, G., McCabe, M., McMahon, C. et al. (2009) International Society for Sexual Medicine’s guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of premature ejaculation. http://www.issm.info/v4/. Accessed on 23 September 2011.