Premature ejaculation is a sexual disorder in males. It can be experienced by men of all ages. It is a sexual difficulty that is characterized by ejaculating or passing of semen too early than wanted during sex.

Ejaculating too soon can be frustrating. It can cause sexual distress among such individuals. They might experience sexual dissatisfaction, which can lead to avoidance of sexual activity.

This ejaculatory disorder is a treatable condition. Proper diagnosis and treatment with medications will help overcome this sexual disorder.  

Anatomy and physiology of ejaculation

Ejaculation is a fluid, known as semen, that gets propelled out from the penile during sexual penetration. It contains sperm cells. Ejaculation happens after an orgasm (climax), but it might also happen without it.

According to the Cleveland Clinic website, ejaculation happens in two phases that are: emission and expulsion. The series of events occurs during sexual intercourse and orgasm.

During the emission phase, the sperm gets collected from the testicles by the ducts. It gets transferred to the prostate gland and mixed with the semen. Semen is a fluid that is a secretion of various glands.

Once sperm mixes with semen, it gets collected by the tubes, known as Vas deferens. These tubes contract to push the semen through the penile shaft.

During the second phase, which is expulsion, the muscle surrounding the penile tip contracts repeatedly to expel and force the semen out.

Symptoms of premature ejaculation

With this condition, the person ejaculates too soon than wanted. The ejaculation happens while they are still having intercourse. As per the Mayo Clinic website, an individual with this condition may ejaculate within 3 minutes of sexual penetration.

The same thing may happen during masturbation. It may take them between 1 to 3 minutes to pass the semen. This may affect both the people involved in the sexual activity.

Some people may have this condition ever since their first sexual encounter. It can be a lifelong difficulty in some. While others may develop it due to some physiological or psychological problems.

Onset of premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation can happen at any age. Ejaculation happens when males hit puberty and start producing sperm. Puberty may hit at around 10 to 12 years of age. This means, males may start ejaculating between this age range.

Ejaculation difficulties might start even during such an early stage. It can occur at any age. However, older individuals are more likely to experience these problems due to age-related concerns. 

Causes of ejaculatory dysfunction

Physiological and psychological factors can influence sexual function and lead to ejaculation disorders. There can be a combination of various factors that can contribute to early ejaculation.

Physiological causes

Hormonal imbalance: Testosterone is the primary hormone that regulates ejaculation function. Its imbalance affects the ejaculation control.

Brain chemical imbalance: A decrease in the levels of a hormone known as serotonin can contribute to ejaculation dysfunction.

Enlarged prostate: The swelling of the prostate gland increases the possibility of developing premature ejaculation.

Genetics: There can be a strong link between Genetic factors or hereditary components and premature ejaculation.  

Psychological causes

People with mental health concerns are more likely to develop ejaculation disorders. They include:

Stress

Anxiety

Depression

Guilt

Body image issues

Early sexual experiences

Sexual abuse

Other causes

Relationship problems: A strained relationship with your partner might affect ejaculation function.

Erectile dysfunction (ED): When a person fails to get erections, they might not ejaculate.  

Diagnosis for premature ejaculation

Your healthcare provider or urologist will conduct a diagnostic evaluation test by performing a physical examination. They will ask you several questions regarding physical, psychological, and related problems that might be potential causes of premature ejaculation.

They will inquire if you have a history of medical history or have ever undergone some surgical procedure. In case you are also experiencing erectile dysfunction along with ejaculation dysfunction, then they might ask you for blood sample test reports.

Treatment for premature ejaculation

According to the Mayo Clinic website, various treatment options for premature ejaculation are as follows:

Oral medications: Your healthcare provider might prescribe antidepressant drugs like SSRIs. Such medications extend the time of sexual intercourse and delay ejaculation.

ED medications: Medications like Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), Levitra (Vardenafil) can improve erection function. These pills might also help in delaying ejaculation. These pills in combination with SSRIs might obtain better results.

ED pills like Tadalista can effectively improve erection as well as ejaculatory function. These medicines are a great alternative to Cialis (Tadalafil), as they both contain the same active ingredient.   

Topical numbing agents: These are available in the forms of creams, gels, lotion, etc. It has to be applied to the penile. It penetrates inside the penile skin and numbs the area, thereby decreasing its sensitivity.

Condoms: Condoms lower penile sensitivity, which might help retain the erection for longer and delay ejaculation.