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Another night. A disappointed partner. A time of intense passion cut short.
It happened again—a man ejaculated too quickly.
While this can be embarrassing, it may provide relief to some of you to know that you’re not alone in your struggles.
Premature ejaculation is a type of sexual dysfunction that’s common in men, affecting about 30% of the world’s population at any time.
Premature ejaculation occurs when a man ejaculates and releases semen a few moments after vaginal penetration. This effectively renders sex less enjoyable and less fulfilling for both parties involved, especially the partner.
For a good number of these individuals, cases like these are often temporary and not a health condition to be too highly concerned about.
However, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, you may need to address your concerns with a doctor:
- Consistently ejaculate less than a minute after first contact
- Inability to hold an orgasm for most of (if not all) the time
- Feelings of inadequacy, shame, and distress due to PE—avoiding any sexual encounters as a result
With that said, the causes of premature ejaculation are often complex, ranging from psychological to physiological. It also varies from person to person.
Let’s learn more about what constitutes premature ejaculation, the types of PE, and the main causes of premature ejaculation.
What’s the Time Frame for Premature Ejaculation?
Many medical experts believe that premature ejaculation occurs when a man consistently fails to reach one minute before ejaculating.
While this often happens frequently for men who have sex for the first time, PE is a type of sexual dysfunction that happens consistently. It’s not diagnosable after just one event.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine that studied 500 couples across five countries claimed that sex lasted for a median time of about 5.4 minutes, or 5 minutes and 24 seconds.
Another key finding from the study was that sexual intercourse among older-aged participants (yes, seniors have sex) tends to skew slightly faster, at about 4.3 minutes.
With that said, medical professionals will still treat your male sexual dysfunction concerns, should you talk about it with them.
Types of Premature Ejaculation
There are two main types of premature ejaculation:
- Primary premature ejaculation – This is lifelong premature ejaculation that occurs since birth or early childhood.
- Secondary premature ejaculation – This type of PE has been acquired recently due to the development of health issues.
The source of your PE will differ based on the type of premature ejaculation you’re experiencing.
5 Main Causes of Premature Ejaculation (PE)
Here’s a list of five of the most common causes of premature ejaculation.
1. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a condition wherein a man is unable to make their penis erect, or maintain the erection once achieved.
It’s a vascular disease that restricts ample blood flow to the penis, though it oftentimes may arise from other health problems like high blood pressure and depression.
If you have erectile dysfunction, you may be at risk of being diagnosed with premature ejaculation.
Some symptoms of erectile dysfunction include the following:
- Decreased interest in sex
- Low libido
- Unable to get hard for intercourse
- Unable to maintain an erection
- Stunted concentration
- Lower mood
Contact a male health specialist to treat premature ejaculation caused by erectile dysfunction.
2. Psychological Factors
Men with psychological issues may experience trouble controlling when they orgasm.
Some common psychological factors that can contribute to ED include:
- Sexual abuse
- Early sexual experiences
- Low self-esteem and body image
- Feelings of guilt and shame about sex
- Depression
The severity of your premature ejaculation may be affected by how you cope and manage these feelings.
In most cases, it’s best to speak with a men’s sexual health specialist or a mental health therapist to help you come to terms with your condition. These trained professionals will identify, prescribe, and help you manage your symptoms for a better sex life.
3. Relationship Issues and Sexual Performance Anxiety
Unchecked relationship issues and performance anxiety may contribute to PE.
If it’s your first time with a new partner, it’s not unheard of to get too excited and ejaculate too soon. This can come into effect at any time, whether it’s your first time exploring new sexual relationships or your tenth.
Sexual performance anxiety is when feelings of nervousness overcome your ability to control your erection. According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health, performance anxiety affects 9 to 25% of men. It also affects women to a lesser degree.
Relationship issues may also contribute to premature ejaculation. Secondary premature ejaculation may arise, for instance, if you’ve had previous successful sexual relations with other women but not your current partner.
If that’s the case, openly communicate your problem with your partner and try to resolve the issue internally at first.
If the problem persists, you may talk with a certified sexual health specialist, a couple’s therapist, or a sex therapist to help you and your partner go through this problem together.
4. Impaired Hormonal Production
Men who often experience premature ejaculation do so due to a notable decrease in natural-occurring hormones found in the body.
According to a recent study, levels of luteinizing hormones, prolactin, and a thyroid-stimulating hormone were significantly lower in patients with premature ejaculation.
The relationship between these decreased hormonal levels and PE, however, is yet to be fully understood. More research is being done in this area.
5. Stress
Feelings of stress, whether on an emotional or mental level, can contribute to a higher risk of premature or rapid ejaculation.
Stress triggers hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine production in the brain, which increase the risk of the disruption of normal ejaculation and male sexual function.
Stress may also cause prolonged fatigue.
Consult St. Louis’ Top Men’s Clinic for a Premature Ejaculation Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Premature ejaculation can be a frustrating experience for most men, especially with a partner you want to impress.
Thankfully, treating premature ejaculation is possible with the help of sexual health doctors.
The medical professionals at Paramount Men’s Medical Center in St. Louis are trained to help you overcome any form of sexual dysfunction, from premature ejaculation to low testosterone levels.
If you’re having issues with erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE), contact us now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with an experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are one of Missouri’s leading men’s clinics providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
