premature ejaculation (PE) — its causes and treatment options

Description

🧠 What Is Premature Ejaculation? Premature ejaculation (PE) is when a man ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like — often with little or no control. It’s one of the most common male sexual concerns and can cause stress, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Doctors usually diagnose PE when: • Ejaculation happens within 1 minute of penetration (in lifelong PE), or • There’s consistent difficulty controlling ejaculation, even after normal sexual experience. ⸻ ⚠️ Causes of Premature Ejaculation 🧠 1. Psychological Causes • Anxiety — especially performance anxiety • Stress (work, relationships, finances) • Guilt or fear related to sexual activity • Depression • Past trauma or negative sexual experiences • Relationship problems or lack of communication 🧬 2. Biological / Physical Causes • Hormonal imbalances (e.g., low testosterone or abnormal serotonin levels) • Inflammation or infection of the prostate or urethra • Thyroid problems — hyperthyroidism can cause PE • Nerve sensitivity or overactive penile reflexes • Genetic predisposition • Drug or alcohol use — especially withdrawal or overuse ⸻ 💊 Treatment Options 1. Behavioral and Psychological Therapy These are often the first-line approaches: • Start-stop technique: Stop stimulation before climax, wait, then restart. • Squeeze technique: Squeezing the penis head gently before ejaculation to delay climax. • Kegel exercises: Strengthen pelvic floor muscles to improve control. • Therapy or counseling: Especially if stress, anxiety, or relationship factors are involved. • Open communication with the partner reduces pressure and improves performance. ⸻ 2. Medical Treatments If psychological methods alone don’t help, doctors may suggest: • Topical anesthetic creams or sprays (e.g., lidocaine or prilocaine): → Reduce sensation and delay climax. • Oral medications (under doctor supervision): • SSRIs like paroxetine, sertraline, or fluoxetine — originally antidepressants but can delay ejaculation. • Tramadol (rarely used, short-term option). • Treating underlying conditions: → For example, controlling thyroid imbalance or treating prostatitis. ⸻ 3. Lifestyle Changes • Regular exercise and healthy diet • Avoiding alcohol, smoking, or recreational drugs • Managing stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness • Maintaining emotional intimacy with your partner ⸻ 🩺 When to See a Doctor You should see a doctor if: • The problem happens frequently or causes distress • You notice other symptoms (like erectile dysfunction, pain, or urinary issues) • There’s a sudden change in your sexual performance