Premature Ejaculation

Penis/Testes

Premature Ejaculation: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

What is Premature Ejaculation (PE)?

Let’s face it, premature ejaculation (PE) is as disturbing as it sounds and is a common male sexual health condition characterized by a lack of control over ejaculation, leading to emotional distress and relationship challenges. According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM), PE is classified into two main types:

If you have PE, it impacts physical and emotional intimacy, making understanding and addressing its causes and treatments essential. To me, a successful case of PE treatment impacts two lives!

Symptoms of Premature Ejaculation

What Causes Premature Ejaculation?

Several factors can contribute to PE, including:

Medical conditions: Issues such as diabetes, prostatitis, urethritis, or Peyronie's disease.
Psychological factors: Work, stress, anxiety, and relationship difficulties.
Neurological or hormonal imbalances
Coexisting sexual dysfunctions, such as erectile dysfunction (ED)

Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of PE, don’t hesitate to seek Dr Jay Lim and explore the available treatment options for a fulfilling and confident intimate life.

Premature Ejaculation Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PE involves a long, honest and private conversation on the patient’s and their partner’s sexual history and can be daunting. This includes:

Differentiating between primary (lifelong) and secondary (acquired) PE.
Determining if the condition is situational or consistent.
Reviewing medical history to rule out underlying conditions like diabetes or prostatitis.
Understanding how PE affects the individual's quality of life and treatment expectations.

Physical examinations may be conducted to exclude other medical causes. Extensive testing is typically unnecessary unless other conditions are suspected.

Effective Treatments for Premature Ejaculation

PE can be managed through a combination of medical, behavioural, and lifestyle interventions:

Medical Treatments
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Often prescribed off-label, SSRIs can take 1-2 weeks to show results. Side effects may include fatigue, nausea, and decreased libido.
Dapoxetine: The only SSRI explicitly approved for PE, taken on demand in 30mg or 60mg doses.
Topical Anesthetics (e.g., EMLA): Reduce penile sensitivity to delay ejaculation.
PDE5 Inhibitors: When combined with SSRIs, these may improve outcomes more effectively than SSRIs alone.
Behavioural Techniques
Start-Stop Method: Pausing stimulation before ejaculation to build control.
Squeeze Technique: Applying pressure to the penis to delay ejaculation.

These methods are most effective when combined with medical treatments and supported by a cooperative partner.

Living with Premature Ejaculation

While PE can be distressing, it is a treatable condition. Seeking professional help and maintaining open communication with your partner can improve intimacy and satisfaction. In my experience, consultation together as a couple has the best outcome. With tailored treatment plans, most men experience significant improvements. PE can be episodic in nature and medication need not be lifelong. You can plan with your doctor to gradually withdraw medication after 6-8 weeks if successful.

In Summary

Premature ejaculation affects both physical and emotional well-being of you and your partner but is highly treatable.
Combining medical treatments, behavioural techniques, and lifestyle adjustments can lead to lasting improvements.
Consulting a healthcare professional is the first step toward managing symptoms and enhancing sexual health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of PE, don’t hesitate to seek Dr Jay Lim and explore the available treatment options for a fulfilling and confident intimate life.