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Premature Ejaculation

Somewhere between 40-45% of men suffer from some form of sexual dysfunction, with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation being the most common. While premature ejaculation is undoubtedly a touchy subject for most men, it is a condition that can cause stress, anxiety, and unfortunately, relationship problems.

What is premature ejaculation?
Any man who reaches orgasm before he wishes, would probably say he suffers from it. But it's the underlying symptoms of premature ejaculation that help construct the definition of this condition.

Premature ejaculation is one of the most common sexual problems men face. It is a condition most often described as the inability to delay ejaculation to a point when it is mutually desirable for both partners.

Since there is no specific timeframe for the term, "premature", the condition is seemingly relative to each individual. Some men have trouble controlling orgasms upon entry, while others consider 5 minutes of intercourse a problem.

Though timing is important to men, how long a man is able to last is not the most important factor in diagnosing premature ejaculation. The critical issue is whether or not he is satisfied with the length of sexual intercourse.

What causes it?
If we knew of an exact cause, or had a surefire solution for this condition, we'd all be ridiculously wealthy and having sexual intercourse for hours on end! Whether at age 20 or age 45, most men have experienced some form of premature ejaculation at some time in their life. The condition was once thought to be caused by a variety of issues: drugs, smoking, infection, and improper diet. However, many doctors and scientists who study sexuality, suggests that the problem is more psychological in nature. Unfortunately, the exact cause of the condition is unknown and it appears that there are no medical breakthroughs on the horizon.

Who is generally affected by it?
There really is no distinguishing factor in determining who may be affected by premature ejaculation. This condition has never been discriminatory based on race, religion, ethnic background, or even body type.

Premature ejaculation often occurs in young men who may be experiencing sex for the first time. In these instances, it is most commonly attributed to anxiety. Many men gradually learn to control orgasm and have no lasting effects, while some may develop long-term anxiety towards sex, which can cause depression, fear, and decreased libido.

Is there anything I can do about premature ejaculation?
While there are no medical cures, there may be some techniques you can use to help delay orgasm.

• Masters & Johnson Method
  One of the most effective methods of combating premature ejaculation is learning how to identify and control the sensations leading up to orgasm. The Masters and Johnson method helps with this, but requires a bit of practice to patience. All of these methods center around masturbation techniques, where timing and sensation are important. Follow these steps: Start by bringing yourself relatively close to climax, and stop, allowing yourself to relax before starting again. Each time you try this technique, bring yourself closer and closer to orgasm until you can no longer suppress climax. Don't worry if you're not able to stop orgasm the first few times. Repeating this procedure over time will help you determine where your point of no return is.
  You may also try this with your partner. Engage in foreplay, or some other form of non-intercourse sex. When you feel that you've reached the point right before climax, signal your partner to stop. This may cause you to partially lose your erection, which is the desired effect. Repeat these steps several times over the next few sexual encounters.
• Desensitizing Creams
  Desensitizing creams help reduce a man's sensation during intercourse, further increasing ejaculatory control. The creams allow men to maintain an erection longer by utilizing ingredients that cause a numbing effect around the head of the penis. Of course, this also reduces some sexual pleasure.
• Condoms
  As thin as they make them these days, condoms can still be used to decrease sensation. Many manufacturers have also began adding desensitizing lubricants to the insides of condoms, further desensitizing the penis and giving any man the ability to last much longer. Condoms also provide protection against STD's and pregnancy and are recommended for safer sex.