Premature Ejaculation

The following can be the signs and symptoms of Premature Ejaculation:

1. Ejaculation within one minute of vaginal penetration
2. Early ejaculation, even during masturbation
3. Lack of self-confidence in sexual act. It could lead to several psychological issues for both partners.
4. Problems in their relationship with their partner
5. You may experience signs of depression because of the failure in attempts in the sexual act.
6. Embarrassment is found mainly in the case of male partners. It may also result in anxiety.
7. Increased level of stress
8. A penis extra sensitive to stimulation

What are the Causes of Premature Ejaculation?

The most common causes of developing premature ejaculation are:-

1. Imbalanced hormones level -Like oxytocin levels, LH, TSH which has an important role in sexual function
2. Imbalanced level of neurotransmitters- Low levels of serotonin or dopamine levels.
3. Inflammation in your prostate or urethra
4. Lack of confidence and poor body language.
5. Inherited traits
6. Anxiety, performance anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, and concerns about premature ejaculation

What are the Risk Factors of Premature Ejaculation?

Factors that may increase the chances of premature ejaculation are as follows:-

1. Psychological factors: 
   1. Stress: Increased stress levels can also increase the risk of premature ejaculation.
   2. Performance anxiety: If a person suffers from performance anxiety, the risk of premature ejaculation is comparatively higher than an average person.
   3. Depression: In the case of depression, there is a significant alteration in the level of neurotransmitters that may result in a short ejaculating time.
2. Guilt: If you have a grudge and regret something that happened in the past, it may affect sexual life. Such people are at high risk for developing premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.
3. Erectile dysfunction: Patients with erectile dysfunction are at increased risk for premature ejaculation. This may be due to fear of losing the erection and hurrying during sexual intercourse.

What are the Myths about Premature Ejaculation?

There are various myths about Premature ejaculation which are prevailing among the people, which includes:- 

Myth: People think that ejaculation cannot be controlled. 

Fact: If the ejaculation is due to psychological causes, such as performance anxiety, stress or guilt, it can be controlled. However, it needs some practice to do so.

Myth: Premature ejaculation is just a mental problem.

Fact: Most of the cases are because of the oversensitivity of the glans penis. Men with oversensitivity problems ejaculate over very little stimulation. 

Myth: Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are not related to each other. 

Fact: Several cases of erection problems are found to be caused by premature ejaculation.

How to Prevent Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation can be prevented by practising the following steps. These steps can help us to reduce premature ejaculation.

1. Topical creams: Over-the-counter topical creams contain an agent used to numb the surface of the penis. It decreases the sensation and delays the climax. 
2. Lidocaine spray: Lidocaine spray can also help in controlling premature ejaculation. It acts by decreasing the sensitivity of the penis. 
3. Zinc supplements: Zinc helps in maintaining the immunity of a person. At the same time, it also helps in producing testosterone. Researchers have found a very minute difference between zinc and sexual functioning. 
4. Counselling: The patient may also consult with an infertility expert if they are concerned about the early symptoms of premature ejaculation. 

When to See A Doctor

If you experience any signs and symptoms of premature ejaculation for an extended period, you should not ignore these signs and should definitely consult a doctor. Postponing consultation for a long time may result in reduced quality of life and affect your physical and psychological health.

What are the Complications of Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is not life-threatening and does not affect morbidity and mortality. Following are some of the complications of premature ejaculation:

1. Alteration of self-esteem
2. Problems in marital relations
3. Conflicts and divorce
4. Depression and anxiety
5. Infertility

Disease Progression in Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation will result in no or little problem in your life if the frequency is significantly less. However, persistent premature ejaculation would cause interruptions. It will lead to various medical conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression. If not treated or consulted for a long time, it will lead to guilt and will cause conflicts in your relationship. If not treated, it may lead to mental health issues.

How can Premature Ejaculation be Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of premature ejaculation is based on the frequency of the condition. To diagnose this problem doctor will ask basic questions about your sex life. The query may include questions like your health history and emotional and financial problems in your life. 

If you are also having a problem in maintaining the erection along with premature ejaculation, then your doctor may advise some blood tests. It is done to determine the presence of any abnormalities in the blood. A blood test is also performed to find the level of the male hormone testosterone. In some cases, doctors may recommend going to either a urologist or a psychological expert for a better diagnosis. 

How Is Premature Ejaculation Treated?

The most common treatments for premature ejaculation are topical anaesthesia, medication, behavioural techniques, and Pelvic floor exercise.

1. Pelvic floor exercise: Weak pelvic floor may impair the ability to delay ejaculation. Pelvic floor exercise can help in reducing this condition. 
2. Pause-Squeeze Technique: The doctor may instruct the patient to try the pause-squeeze technique. Although it may initially require practice, once you get command over this technique, you will be able to perform this technique efficiently. If the squeeze-pause approach is causing discomfort and pain, the doctors also advise another similar method, known as the stop-start method.
3. Condoms: Condoms can help in decreasing the sensitivity of the penis. It helps in increasing the arousal time. These condoms are either made up of thick latex or may contain a numbing agent: lidocaine or benzocaine. Numbing agents are used to decrease the sensitivity of the penis.
4. Medications: Oral medications like antidepressants and analgesics are used to decrease the sensitivity of the penis. Some local anaesthetics, like lidocaine and prilocaine, are also used as numbing agents. These drugs reduce the sensitivity of the glans penis, which may eventually lead to delayed ejaculation during intercourse. These medications are advised to apply over the penis 10 to 15 minutes before the sexual act.

How to Prepare for Doctor Consultation?

You can book an appointment to consult a doctor in the following ways: 

1. Book an appointment to avoid any waiting time. Reach the hospital at the scheduled time and get your registration done at the reception.
2. The doctor will ask you about the symptoms, past medical history, and the reports of tests done if any. Make sure to explain the signs in detail. It will help your doctor to diagnose the problem. 
3. If there is already a diagnosis, make a list of questions you need to ask the doctor in your next appointment. It may include questions regarding treatment options, disease progression, and recovery. In addition, it is essential to discuss with the doctor prevention tips regarding premature ejaculation.
4. Make sure to ask questions about your medical conditions, like, what type of precautions you have to take and how many days it will take to treat the disease.