What is premature ejaculation?

Ejaculation is commonly called premature if a man climaxes and releases his semen before or within a few minutes after entering his partner's vagina and before his partner has an orgasm. Premature ejaculation is a problem only if it prevents a couple from having sexual experiences that are satisfying for both partners.

How does it occur?

The human experience of orgasm is a complex interplay of psychological, physical, and physiological factors. To control the timing of ejaculation a man must learn to exercise some control over these factors. Premature ejaculation is rarely caused by a medical condition.

Premature ejaculation can occur when a man has not had sexual intercourse for a long period of time. Other situations in which there is unusually heightened sexual arousal and excitement may promote early ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation may happen in a new relationship because the partners have not yet learned each other's stimulation needs for arousal and orgasm.

How is it treated?

If you want to find help for premature ejaculation, seek a health care provider who has training and experience in sexual problems. After discussion of various aspects of your usual sexual encounters, the doctor or therapist may be able to make some suggestions for prolonging the period between sexual arousal and orgasm. For example, a man might change the usual thoughts and fantasies he experiences during intercourse.

Both partners may need to see the practitioner or therapist together. A therapist's guidance and frequent consultation with the couple is an essential aspect of therapy.

In rare circumstances your provider may prescribe medications that help prevent premature ejaculation. They may be used on an ongoing basis or just temporarily to establish a satisfactory pattern of timing of ejaculation.

Individuals or couples should discuss problems of premature ejaculation with their family doctor or write to the Sex Information Education Center of the United States (SIECUS):

SIECUS
80 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10011