Effective Early Ejaculation Treatment

23 August 2024

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual issue that can significantly impact a man’s confidence and relationship satisfaction. PE is estimated to affect 21 to 31 percent of the Australian male population. It’s important to understand that you’re not alone and that effective treatments are available. This guide will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for PE, empowering you to take control of your sexual health.

Understanding Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation can significantly impact a man’s sexual performance and relationship satisfaction, causing distress for both partners. It can be classified as lifelong (present from the start of sexual activity) or acquired (developing later in life). While the exact causes are often complex, a combination of biological and psychological factors can contribute to PE.

Types of PE

There are two main types: lifelong, where the problem has always been present, and acquired, which develops after a period of normal ejaculation. The difference between lifelong and acquired is the time to ejaculation. The International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) researched and characterised lifelong and acquired premature ejaculation as the following. Lifelong premature ejaculation occurs when a man ejaculates within about a minute of penetration from the very first time he has sex. Acquired premature ejaculation develops later in life and happens when ejaculation occurs within about three minutes of penetration.

Causes and contributing factors of PE

PE can occur from the first sexual experience (referred to as lifelong) or develop later in life (referred to as acquired). While the exact causes are often unclear, a combination of biological and psychological factors can contribute to PE. These include hormonal imbalances, neurological factors, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues.

Did you know? Approximately one in three men with premature ejaculation also experiences erectile dysfunction.

PE Treatment Options

Dealing with premature ejaculation can be frustrating. Whether you’re seeking relief from rapid ejaculation or other PE-related concerns, this section offers insights into potential treatment options.

While behavioural techniques can be effective, some individuals may benefit from premature ejaculation medications. These medications work by targeting specific neurotransmitters involved in ejaculation control. It’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of medication with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your individual needs.

Behavioural Techniques

There are a range of techniques an individual can perform during an intimate experience in order to assist with PE. These can be performed discretely, however it is always recommended to communicate with your partner so they can be actively involved in ensuring your sexual experience is fulfilling for all parties involved.

Start-stop technique – This technique involves stopping sexual stimulation shortly before orgasm and waiting until the urge to ejaculate subsides before resuming activity.

Squeeze technique – This technique involves applying gentle pressure to the head of the penis near the point of orgasm to temporarily reduce arousal.

Mindfulness and distraction techniques – This technique involves shifting your focus away from sexual arousal by concentrating on unrelated thoughts. For example, you could try naming objects in a room, reciting the alphabet, or mentally listing grocery items.

Partner involvement and communication – Partner involvement and open communication are essential for managing premature ejaculation. Couples should discuss sexual concerns openly, make treatment decisions together, and offer emotional support. Understanding that premature ejaculation is not a reflection of the relationship is crucial for maintaining intimacy and trust.

Pelvic floor exercises – While not a technique to use during your intimate engagement, pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles involved in ejaculation control. By regularly contracting and relaxing these muscles, men can improve their ability to delay orgasm. It’s important to identify the correct muscles and perform exercises consistently for optimal results.

Medical Treatments

For some men, premature ejaculation medications, or PE drugs, may be an effective treatment option. By discussing with a doctor, they can determine the best treatment plan for you after conducting an evaluation.

Topical anaesthetics – Over-the-counter sprays are available for purchase at your local pharmacy but should be used as advised.

PE drugs – A Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) known as dapoxetine was one of the first oral medications designed and approved specifically for PE.

Potential side effects and considerations – Common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, fatigue, headaches, dry mouth, sweating, and decreased libido.

When opting to treat PE medically, it is important your medical history is discussed to ensure your treatment plan is right for your risk factors – when seeking professional help with medical treatments ensure your doctor is qualified and aware of all PE treatment options.

Lifestyle Factors

Stress Management – As we’ve discussed, medical intervention can assist in managing premature ejaculation – however, a comprehensive plan often involves a combination of lifestyle changes as well. Several sources believe that, exercise such as running and yoga may assist in delaying ejaculation. These exercises also tie into stress management, and as we know, stress can be a factor of PE. Managing stress and anxiety could see an improvement in the time taken to ejaculate – along with a variety of other health benefits.

Heart Health & Hormones – A man’s sexual health is closely tied to his heart health and hormone levels. Whilst there is no evidence to suggest that junk food or high starchy foods cause PE, there are some foods that could help performance and potentially manage premature ejaculation. If you think about it, opting for “healthier” food opts for better overall health – which includes sexual health. We know that heart disease can be associated with erectile dysfunction so by eating a balanced diet, your risk of developing cardiovascular disease can be reduced which in turn, may lower your risk of ED (Erectile Dysfunction). Therefore, the foods such as Avocados, Banana, Beets, Blueberries, Dark chocolate, Fatty fish, Garlic, Honey, Nuts, Oysters, and Pomegranate may be a good idea to incorporate into your balanced diet.

Sleep Quality & Sexual Health – The importance of sleep is pivotal to ones health and research shows that Sleep quality and overall health significantly influence sexual function, including premature ejaculation. Adequate sleep is essential for hormone regulation, stress management, and overall well-being. Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to anxiety, depression, and physical health issues that may exacerbate premature ejaculation.

Sex Therapy – as we understand, PE can be affected by psychological factors. While there is limited research to show how much it helps, it can be a positive tool, depending on level of input, for addressing concerns. Therapy used in conjunction with medication or behavioural techniques is a good place to start and build on.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you are experiencing persistent premature ejaculation that significantly impacts your quality of life and relationships, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis, rule out underlying medical conditions, and recommend suitable treatment options.

At Holmen’s Health, we provide a multidisciplinary approach. With an in-house team of doctors, dietitians and sex therapists, we can provide a treatment plan best suited to you while keeping your specific goals and medical history in mind.

By exploring various treatment options, including behavioural techniques, lifestyle modifications, and potentially premature ejaculation medications, you can take steps to improve your sexual satisfaction and overall well-being. But always remember, you are not alone and help from the Holmen’s Team is just a click away.

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