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Approximately 20–30% of men experience premature ejaculation. This is evidenced by a study by the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM). Isolated episodes may occur due to anxiety, fatigue, or a prolonged break in sexual activity. However, if a man regularly finds it difficult to control the moment of ejaculation, it is important to determine the cause, as this affects how ejaculatory control can be improved.

In this article, we will discuss when early ejaculation is considered a disorder and why it may occur. We will also explain how to get rid of premature ejaculation and how to reduce the risk of the problem recurring.

What Is Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is a condition in which a man cannot sufficiently control the moment of ejaculation, and it occurs earlier than he or the couple expects. According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, vaginal intercourse lasts approximately 5–6 minutes on average. If ejaculation occurs before penetration or approximately within 1 minute afterward, this may indicate a disorder.

However, time alone should not be used as the only guide. What matters is whether the man can delay this moment, how often such episodes occur, and whether they cause tension or dissatisfaction with intimate life. One short episode of sexual intercourse does not necessarily mean that there is a problem.

Why a Man Ejaculates Quickly: Causes

Why Premature Ejaculation Occurs and How to Get Rid of It

In most cases, a man ejaculates quickly for more than one specific reason. The speed at which ejaculation occurs may be affected by the level of arousal, emotional state, sensitivity of the glans penis, and overall health. Sometimes difficulties occur only under certain circumstances, while in other cases they accompany a man from the beginning of his sexual life. Therefore, it is important to consider when and in which situations they appear.

Early ejaculation is most often associated with the following factors:

  • a prolonged break in sexual activity — afterward, arousal may increase more quickly, making it more difficult to delay ejaculation;
  • anxiety during intimacy — the man focuses on how long sexual intercourse will last and, because of the tension, has less control over his sensations;
  • fear of failure, negative sexual experiences, or difficulties in the relationship with his partner;
  • erectile dysfunction — difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may increase anxiety during intimacy and make it more difficult to control ejaculation;
  • increased sensitivity of the glans penis, due to which even brief stimulation quickly brings ejaculation closer;
  • a short frenulum, which may cause excessive tissue tension and intensify sensations during sexual intercourse;
  • inflammation of the prostate gland, urethra, and other diseases of the genitourinary system;
  • endocrine disorders, including changes in thyroid function;
  • injuries to the brain or spinal cord that may affect the nervous regulation of sexual responses;
  • constant stress, smoking, and frequent alcohol consumption, which may negatively affect sexual function.

If controlling ejaculation has been difficult since the first sexual contacts, this may be associated with the way the nervous system functions or increased sensitivity of the glans penis. If the problem appeared suddenly after a period of normal sexual activity, it is worth checking for inflammation, hormonal changes, or other health problems.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend paying attention not only to the duration of sexual intercourse but also to accompanying changes. Difficulty with erections, pain, burning, discharge from the urethra, or problems with urination may indicate a urological condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.

How to Deal with Premature Ejaculation

The first step is a consultation with a urologist. It is usually sufficient for the doctor to ask the man about the characteristics of his sexual life and perform an examination. Additional diagnostic tests are prescribed only when there are signs of inflammation, hormonal changes, or other diseases.

Depending on the indications, laboratory tests and a scrotal ultrasound may be required. It is prescribed if the man experiences pain, swelling, a change in testicular size, or discomfort in the genital area.

The method of treatment for premature ejaculation is selected depending on the cause of the disorder. The doctor may recommend:

  • Treatment of the underlying disease. If rapid completion of sexual intercourse is associated with inflammation of the genitourinary system, erectile problems, or changes in thyroid function, this factor must first be addressed.
  • Working with a psychologist or psychotherapist. This may be helpful if the man is affected by anxiety, fear of failure, negative sexual experiences, or tension in the relationship.
  • Behavioral techniques and exercises. They help the man better recognize the approach of ejaculation and gradually improve control. For example, the «start-stop» method involves pausing stimulation when arousal approaches its peak and resuming it after the arousal has decreased slightly.
  • Medication therapy. The doctor may prescribe medications that help delay ejaculation. They are selected with consideration of the patient’s health, contraindications, and possible side effects.
  • Topical agents. Anesthetic creams or sprays temporarily reduce the sensitivity of the glans penis. They should be used as recommended by a doctor.
  • Surgical correction. Plastic surgery of the frenulum may be recommended for a short frenulum, while denervation may be performed for excessive sensitivity of the glans penis.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain that one method is not always sufficient. For example, medication therapy may be combined with behavioral techniques or work with a psychologist. The goal of treatment is not simply to increase the duration of sexual intercourse but to improve control and eliminate the factors that caused the disorder.

How to Prevent Premature Ejaculation

How to Prevent Premature Ejaculation

It is not always possible to completely prevent premature ejaculation, especially if it has been present since the beginning of sexual life. However, it is possible to reduce the influence of factors that provoke an acquired disorder or make control more difficult.

For this purpose, the following is recommended:

  • Treat urological and endocrine diseases promptly. Pain, burning, urination problems, weakened erections, or other changes should not be ignored.
  • Maintain a frequency of sexual activity that is comfortable for the couple. After a prolonged break, arousal may increase more quickly, but control usually returns after several intimate encounters.
  • Monitor stress levels and get enough rest. Constant tension, fatigue, and lack of sleep may affect sexual responses.
  • Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these habits negatively affect the nervous system, blood circulation, and sexual function.
  • Talk openly with the partner about personal sensations. This helps reduce tension and fear of failure, which often interfere with arousal control.

If the problem recurs regularly, it should not be attributed solely to stress or a prolonged break in sexual activity. It is better to determine the cause, as rapid completion of sexual intercourse may be associated with a condition that requires treatment.

The information in this article is provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If symptoms of a disease occur, you should consult a doctor.

Sources:

International Society for Sexual Medicine

European Association of Urology

American Urological Association and Sexual Medicine Society of North Americ