Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual problem that affects many men. It can also be defined as intravaginal latency time (IVLT), which typically refers to the time it takes for a man to ejaculate during vaginal intercourse, which is usually between two to five minutes. It is important to note that IVLT is not necessarily a measure of sexual satisfaction, as some partners may be satisfied with a shorter duration of intercourse, while others may require longer.
In some cases, a longer duration of intercourse may not necessarily lead to greater satisfaction and can even cause psychological distress and frustration in some individuals regarding their sexual life. Therefore, IVLT should not be the sole factor in assessing sexual satisfaction and other factors such as communication, emotional intimacy, and overall sexual health should also be considered.

There are several factors that can contribute to premature ejaculation. Here are some of the most common causes:

Psychological factors: Anxiety, stress, and depression can all contribute to premature ejaculation. These factors can lead to performance anxiety, which can make it difficult to control ejaculation².

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as prostate problems, thyroid issues, or neurological disorders, may contribute to premature ejaculation³.

Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants, may cause premature ejaculation as a side effect².

Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, may contribute to premature ejaculation.

The exact cause of premature ejaculation is not known, but there are several theories, including the risk factors mentioned above. Additionally, problems with the serotonin hormone in the brain may also play a role.

Treatment Options

There are various treatment options available for premature ejaculation, including local anesthesia applied to the glands. However, this treatment may sometimes lead to frustration and numbness in males and may even cause infection in females.

Another treatment option is surgical intervention, such as dorsal nerve neurectomy or hyaluronic acid injection under the skin.

Treatment options for premature ejaculation vary depending on the cause. Here are a few more treatment options:

Behavioral techniques: Behavioral techniques, such as the stop-start technique or the squeeze technique, can help men learn to control ejaculation⁴.

Medications: If self-help methods are unsuccessful, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be employed. Although ejaculation delay is one of the SSRIs’ negative effects, they are primarily used to treat depression⁵.

Counseling: This strategy entails discussing your relationships and experiences with a mental health professional. Sessions can aid in lowering performance anxiety and improving stress management. The likelihood that counseling will be beneficial depends on whether it is combined with pharmacological therapy⁶.

Combination therapy: In some cases, a combination of behavioral techniques, medications, and counseling may be recommended for the most effective treatment.

It is important to remember that premature ejaculation is a common problem that can be treated. Men who experience premature ejaculation should not be embarrassed to talk to their healthcare provider about it. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

In brief, premature ejaculation is a common problem that affects many men. Common causes include psychological factors, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. Treatment options include behavioral techniques, medications, counseling, lifestyle changes, and combination therapy. Men who experience premature ejaculation should talk to their healthcare provider to determine the cause and find the most effective treatment option.

References

1. NHS. (2021, February 18). Can premature ejaculation be controlled?
2. WebMD. (2021, February 4). What Is Premature Ejaculation?
3. MSD Manuals. (n.d.). Premature Ejaculation.
4. MSD Manuals. (n.d.). Premature Ejaculation.
5. NHS. (2021, February 18). Can premature ejaculation be controlled?
6. Mayo Clinic. (2021, March 30). Premature ejaculation – Diagnosis and treatment.
7. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. (2016). Premature Ejaculation: A Clinical Review for the Practitioner.
8. NHS. (2019). Premature Ejaculation.