Premature Ejaculation
Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a condition where a man ejaculates sooner during sexual activity than he or his partner would like.
Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a condition where a man ejaculates sooner during sexual activity than he or his partner would like. It is one of the most common sexual issues for men and can occur at any age. While it’s not unusual for men to experience PE occasionally, it is considered a condition if it happens frequently. Premature Ejaculation can lead to distress, anxiety, and frustration, and it may affect relationships and self-esteem.
Premature Ejaculation can be influenced by various factors, including biological and psychological aspects. Identifying the underlying causes is crucial for determining the most effective treatment.
- Ejaculation that occurs within 90 seconds of penetration
- Inability to delay ejaculation during sexual activity
- Feeling distressed and frustrated, and avoiding sexual intimacy as a result
Premature Ejaculation can have a significant impact on sexual satisfaction and relationships. If this is a recurring issue, it is advisable to seek medical advice to explore treatment options.
Given the variety of factors that can cause Premature Ejaculation, it is important to identify the underlying causes so that they can be addressed effectively. Addressing contributing physiological or psychological factors in conjunction with medication is the most effective way to treat Premature Ejaculation. This can be done through:
- Behavioural therapy techniques like the stop-start method and the squeeze technique can help you learn to delay ejaculation
- Addressing any psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues can be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is often helpful
- Lifestyle changes to reduce stress, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and engaging in regular exercise can improve overall sexual health
Medication that are available to address Premature Ejaculation include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to help delay ejaculation
- Topical anaesthetics that numb the penis and reduce sensation
In addition to the above, there is some evidence that performing pelvic floor exercises with the goal of strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can improve control over ejaculation.
At My Local Surgery, we recommend starting with a fast, discrete consultation with one of our private healthcare specialists. They are experienced in diagnosing underlying causes of Premature Ejaculation, providing advice on effective treatment options, and prescribing medication if required.
Author
Dr Adam Kirk
Revision 1.0 - 17/07/2025
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Possible Causes of Premature Ejaculation
Premature Ejaculation can have multiple causes and contributing factors:
- Conditions that affect prostate or thyroid function, abnormal hormone levels, neurotransmitter imbalances, and genetic predisposition may play a role in Premature Ejaculation
- Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and early sexual experiences can all contribute to Premature Ejaculation. Performance anxiety is particularly common
- Erectile Dysfunction itself can lead to Premature Ejaculation as a man may rush to climax before losing his erection
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