PE is defined as ejaculating within 60 seconds of intercourse and can be acquired or lifelong. PE does often occur from the first sexual experience, but for some men the issue presents later in life, in which case, there is generally a trigger. PE tends to be a vicious cycle with performance anxiety becoming a significant problem resulting in men avoiding sexual encounters.
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common problem impacting up to 31% of Australian men. There can be many reasons for PE, there can be a genetic predisposition, hormonal components, certain medical conditions and some lifestyle factors that can contribute to it. Unfortunately, many men do not seek help for PE resulting in it largely going untreated. Many men avoid sexual activity due to anxiety over PE, subsequently impacting on dating, relationships and sexual satisfaction. Some men even tend to attempt to manage PE with the use of alcohol and drugs. PE can however be successfully treated resulting in increased quality of life, reduced anxiety and heightened sexual satisfaction. Treatment of PE is individualised and dependant on your situation, preferences and goals.
Whether the PE is lifelong or acquired will dictate management. Education about PE and psychosexual education are important aspects of treatment for PE. Mindfulness, relaxation techniques as well as pharmacological (tablet) management are effective treatment options for men with PE. Certain medication can be used to delay ejaculation and can be taken ‘on demand’ prior to sexual activity, or daily. Alternatively using a numbing agent on the penis prior to sexual activity can reduce penile sensitivity and subsequently increase time to ejaculation. There are also certain climax control devices to potentially help increase time to ejaculation in certain patients.
Salonia, A., Bettocchi, C., Boeri, L., Capogrosso, P., Carvalho, J., Cilesiz, N. C., Cocci, A., Corona, G., Dimitropoulos, K., Gül, M., Hatzichristodoulou, G., Jones, T. H., Kadioglu, A., Martínez Salamanca, J. I., Milenkovic, U., Modgil, V., Russo, G. I., Serefoglu, E. C., Tharakan, T., Verze, P., & Minhas, S. (2021, Sep). European Association of Urology Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health-2021 Update: Male Sexual Dysfunction. Eur Urol, 80(3), 333-357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2021.06.007