Premature ejaculation (PE) occurs in 4-30% of men and is defined as uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration - usually within a minute. With PE, you do not have the ability to delay ejaculation with all or nearly all sexual penetrations. This can lead to increased anxiety and psychological distress for both you and your partner(s).
What is premature ejaculation?
PE can either be lifelong or acquired and usually does not have a clear cause. It is believed that the chemical serotonin is involved as higher amounts can increase the time to ejaculation and low amounts can lead to PE. Here are some common psychological and physical causes:
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Depression
- Medication side effect
- Medical problem
- Stress
- Relationship issues
- Sexual abuse
- Erectile dysfunction
- Abnormal hormone levels
- Genetics
- Prostate or urethra infection or inflammation
Symptoms
Uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after intercourse begins or with minimal sexual stimulation (e.g. less than a minute after penetration).