Premature ejaculation is a commonly known male sexual dysfunction. Research has shown that 20-30% of men suffer from PE worldwide.
In layman terms, ejaculation is the expulsion of semen from the penis during an orgasm.
Premature ejaculation, on the other hand, causes a man to orgasm and releases his semen earlier than his partner would like.
Also known as the premature climax, early ejaculation, or rapid ejaculation, it can make sex less enjoyable and affect relationships.
How does ejaculation happen?
The central nervous system controls the whole process of ejaculation. When a man is stimulated sexually, nerve impulses are sent to the spinal cord and the brain.
When the man reaches a certain level of excitement, nerve impulses cause the walls of the epididymis to contract. This creates peristaltic waves that push sperm into the vas deferens.
Along with this, the seminal vesicles and prostate also contract, forcing the semen into the urethra.
The muscles surrounding the urethra contract to force the semen out of the penis, and the muscles in the bladder neck tighten to make sure that the semen does not flow backwards.
What is the time frame for normal ejaculation?
Typically the normal duration of vaginal sex is seven minutes, as per the 2005 Society for Sex Therapy and Research.
Studies have shown that vaginal sex that lasts for one or two minutes is too short, and one that lasts for 10 to 30 minutes is considered too long.
On average, the best duration of sex is from 7 to 13 minutes, giving a sense of satisfaction to both partners.
However, keep in mind that this duration is only applicable to actual vaginal intercourse and doesn’t consider foreplay.
The time frame that defines ejaculation as premature
Although there are many definitions for premature ejaculation, as per the definition of the American urological association, ejaculation is considered premature if it occurs earlier than desired.
Premature ejaculation can be classified into three types:
- Mild occurs from 30 seconds to 1 minute of penetration.
- Moderate from 15 to 30 seconds of penetration.
- Severe occurs within 15 seconds of penetration or before sexual activity.
Premature ejaculation signs and symptoms
One of the primary symptoms of premature ejaculation is the inability to delay orgasm for more than one minute after penetration. This problem can occur in all situations, including masturbation.
We can classify premature ejaculation primarily into two.
- Lifelong: Premature ejaculation lasts an entire life ever since your first sexual encounters.
- Acquired: This is developed at a later stage of life, considering that the patient did not have any sexual problems before that.
PE issues often lead to men developing mood swings, intimacy issues and frustration that affects the quality of life. This, in turn, affects relationships, causes mental stress and even problems with fertility.
What causes premature ejaculation?
The exact cause of premature ejaculation is not known to anyone. Premature ejaculation involves a complex interaction of biological and psychological factors.
Serotonin
Serotonin, a natural substance made by the nerves, plays a major role in causing premature ejaculation. Low amounts of this neurotransmitter can shorten the time for ejaculation, while high levels of serotonin can increase the ejaculatory time.
Mental health issues
Here are some of the psychological factors that play a significant role in PE :
- Depression
- Guilt
- Stress
- Lack of confidence
- Relationship issues
- Unrealistic expectations about sexual performance
- History of sexual repression
Other Issues
Ageing
Although ageing does not directly influence PE, ageing causes changes in ejaculation and erection. For older men, as erections may not be firm and long-lasting, ejaculation can happen quickly.
Erectile dysfunction
People who are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction are usually anxious about maintaining an erection during sex. As a result, they might form a habit of quickly ejaculating, which might be difficult to change. Read more here about the common symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Anxiety
Anxiety about sexual performance is a known cause of premature ejaculation.
Relationship issues
Interpersonal issues between you and your partner are a contributing factor for premature ejaculation.
For more details, check our article on “What causes premature ejaculation?“
Treatment options for premature ejaculation
There are plenty of treatment options for premature ejaculation. This includes counselling, behavioural therapy and other forms of medications.
Behavioural therapy
In this method, several different techniques are used to prolong the time before a man ejaculates. Training is given to control your body and feelings. This includes
Start and stop
In this method, you and your partner stimulate your penis close to the orgasm and then stop for 30 seconds until you can regain control. You will have to repeat this process about three to four times until you reach orgasm.
Distraction technique
This is more of a mind training exercise where you focus your attention on non-sexual things while being sexually stimulated. One of the best-proven ways to focus your attention is by naming a sequence where you could count down from 10 to 1. Alternately, you could also name the products you have seen in your favourite stores or your favourite actors.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Muscles in the pelvic floor are very important in maintaining an erection and delaying ejaculation. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises help in strengthening these muscles.
It is advisable to do 3 sets repeating it about 10 times a day to work on these muscles groups.
Here’s the technique:
Identify these muscles by holding urination midstream and tightening the muscles (avoid the passage of gas). This will help you hold and tighten your pelvic floor muscles. Hold the contraction for a few seconds, and then release. Repeat.
Start these exercises in the lying position and as your muscles get stronger, do them while sitting or standing.
Click here to learn more on pelvic floor exercises.
Squeeze therapy
Here you or your partner will stimulate your penis closer to the point of orgasm. After that, the head of the penis is gently squeezed for 30 seconds so that you will lose your erection.
With regular practice, you will be able to gain better control over your ejaculation.
Counselling
If your premature ejaculation is due to emotional or other psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, depression etc., you could seek the help of a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.
Medications
There are no approved medications to treat premature ejaculation. However, it is noted that antidepressants help to delay orgasm. In addition, drugs such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, clomipramine, sertraline, and tramadol affect serotonin levels.
Another option is to use numbing sprays or creams. These are required to be applied to the head of the penis before sex.
Read more on our article on “What are the treatment options for premature ejaculation?”
Home remedies for premature ejaculation
Even though PE can be frustrating to many, there are various home remedies that you can try.
Magnesium and Zinc-rich foods
Foods that are rich in magnesium and zinc play a major role in boosting your testosterone, improving endurance, and enhancing your sexual health.
In a study conducted in 2001, scientists have noted extremely low levels of magnesium in the sperm of men with premature ejaculation compared to those having a normal ejaculatory control.
Although there are no established direct links to date, scientists believe that having low levels of magnesium could affect sexual performance and lead to vasoconstriction.
Having a diet rich in zinc and magnesium-rich foods such as legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds and fishes like salmon could improve your sexual health and increase your time for ejaculation.
Consuming PE pills
PE pills usually include supplements with zinc and magnesium to treat premature ejaculation. Studies have shown a considerable increase in testosterone in men who are taking regular zinc and magnesium supplements.
Masturbating before sex
This is a common method to treat premature ejaculation. Here the refractory period is made use to delay the ejaculation time.
Also known as the “resolution stage”, the refractory period is the time between an orgasm when you feel ready to be sexually aroused again.
Although not proven scientifically, several men have effectively used this technique to increase their time for ejaculation.
Using extended pleasure condoms
These condoms contain certain topical anaesthetics that numb the penis. This means that during sexual intercourse, you will feel the sensation with a reduced intensity, helping you to extend the time of climax.
Although extended scientific studies are needed to prove the effectiveness, there are study references to show that benzocaine, the active ingredient of these condoms, helps men retain erection longer during sex.
A study conducted in 2017 has indicated an increase of 1231.5 seconds in the ejaculatory time after using benzocaine wipes for two months.
Potential traditional methods to ease premature ejaculation
- Avoid eating raw onions.
- Have dried dates with ghee.
- Regularly consume Ginger to improve the blood flow to sexual organs.
- Have white butter and rock sugar.
- Drinking milk with Asparagus (Shatavari) can also help.
- Have 10 grams of fresh amla (gooseberry) mixed with 50 grams of honey.
- Consume soaked skinless almonds in the morning.
- Consume nutmeg mixed with milk.
Bottom Line
If you think that you alone are suffering from premature ejaculation, understand that many men out there also have the same problem. Also, remember that the problem has effective medical treatments available.
With a unique blend of medication, home therapies, and physical exercises, you will be able to overcome PE successfully.
References
Elaine M Hull,John W Muschamp,Satoru Sato(15 Nov 2004)Dopamine and serotonin: influences on male sexual behavior. Available at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15488546 / [Accessed 8 July 2021]
C M Meston,(Oct 1997)Ageing and Sexuality. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1304545/ [Accessed 8 July 2021]
Stanley E Althof,(5 Aug 2016)Psychosexual therapy for premature ejaculation. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5001981/ [Accessed 8 July 2021]
