If you or your partner are experiencing premature ejaculation, you may feel alone in your feelings of frustration. But here’s the thing: It’s actually pretty common – perhaps even the most common sexual dysfunction among men. Luckily, premature ejaculation treatments are out there.

But first, let’s take a deeper look at what might cause premature ejaculation – whether it’s mostly psychological or something physical is going on – so you can find a solution and take back control of your stamina.

What is premature ejaculation, exactly?

Premature ejaculation (PE, for short) is when ejaculation happens sooner than a man or his partner would like during sex. This is typically defined within a period of time, usually less than two minutes.

In the United States, about one in three men aged 18 to 59 struggle with PE.

Now, it’s not abnormal to occasionally finish faster than you’d like to during sex. What’s key is to remember this: PE must occur (almost) every time you and your partner have sex, without a clear medical explanation, and cause clinically significant distress.

PE is also known as rapid ejaculation, premature climax, or early ejaculation. It is not to be confused with pre-cum which is just a small amount of fluid that comes out when you’re turned on.

What causes premature ejactulation?

So, why are men finishing too fast during sex? Is there a medical condition that contributes to premature ejaculation? Unfortunately, there’s no black and white answer. As we said, PE has no clear medical explanation.

But the common causes below can provide some valuable insights as to what may be going on. Take a look!

Your mental health

PE has historically been thought to be caused primarily by psychological factors, although recent clinical evidence has shown that there can be several other contributing factors.

Mental health issues that contribute to PE include: - Depression - Anxiety - Stress - History of sexual repression

Low serotonin, the chemical in the brain involved in sexual desire (and mood, among other things!), can also contribute to PE.

Personal or relationship issues

Similar to the above, bedroom-related woes can impact your endurance. This may look like: - Unrealistic expectations about sex - Conditioned response from early experiences - Performance anxiety - Relationship problems - Lack of confidence

Endocrinologic conditions

Hyperthyroidism has been linked to premature ejaculation – and treating it can improve premature ejaculation symptoms.

Some men with premature ejaculation have low testosterone; however, the treatment of hypogonadism (the medical term for when gonads produce little or no hormones) does not improve premature ejaculation symptoms. Luckily, treatment of premature ejaculation is possible, no matter if it is caused by psychological conditions, physical health issues, or something else.

Medical conditions

Premature ejaculation has been associated with the following medical conditions:

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Obesity
  • Chronic prostatitis

Behavioral Techniques

First, you can (quite literally) take things into your own hands. Below are the most common behavioral strategies to help improve or end premature ejaculation.

The Squeeze Method

When you are close to climax, you or your partner squeezes your penis so your erection goes down a bit. This method may help you have a more controlled ejaculation time.

The Stop-Start Method

When you are close to climax, you or your partner stops until your urge to finish goes away. Once you’re at a more stable moment, you can begin again. Repeat this process three times or until you feel more in control of your orgasms.

Numbing Creams and Sprays

There are a number of over-the-counter treatments that come in the form of creams, sprays, or wipes. These topical treatments work by desensitizing the penis using the active ingredient lidocaine or benzocaine.

For numbing creams and sprays, you apply them directly to the head of your penis around 30 minutes before sex. Any longer than that, and your erection may go away. You then wash the residue away before vaginal, anal, or oral sex to avoid causing numbness in your partner.

For example, Keeps Climax Delay Spray OTC Topical spray features the active ingredient Lidocaine. This clinically-proven over-the-counter treatment is a great option as a treatment plan add-on or for men who prefer not to take medication. Use as needed 10-15 minutes before sex.

Along the same lines, many men have reported that wearing a condom can work to dull the sensation during sex, therefore helping them last longer.

Prescription medications

The most common prescription medications for PE are SSRIs, including fluoxetine (generic Prozac®), sertraline (generic Zoloft®), paroxetine (generic Paxil®), and escitalopram (generic Lexapro®). Commonly prescribed medications are also PDE5 inhibitors, specifically sildenafil citrate (generic Viagra®).

SSRIs are FDA-approved to help treat mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and OCD, and can have several side effects, including delayed orgasm. For this reason, SSRIs are considered off-label use. Men have experienced great results with SSRIs, which are currently recommended as first-line medications for PE by the American Urological Association

How can premature ejaculation impact other areas of your health?

Can premature ejaculation affect other areas of your life? What about other areas of your health? Luckily, a quick climax during sex is not harmful to your body!

Premature ejaculation can be a sign of an underlying erectile dysfunction diagnosis or thyroid disorders, so a full medical screening is recommended.

It can, however, be harmful to your mental health. Without treatment, many men report they feel distress, anxiety, decreased libido, poor self-esteem, and lower satisfaction in the bedroom. To add fuel to the fire, these symptoms can worsen PE – an unfortunate catch-22.

So if you’re feeling down about it, know that you’re not alone. Begin with an honest conversation with your urologist or healthcare provider about your sexual function – to help release the stigma around PE and work toward finding a solution. We know it can be difficult to navigate these convos, so you can also consider online options like Keeps –and have a confidential conversation that starts here.

Combination therapy – SSRIs, PDE5 inhibitors, delayed ejaculation techniques, OTC products, and counseling – has been shown to be the most successful path to reclaiming your sexual endurance.

Taking back control

Help is available, leading to not only improved stamina in the bedroom but also better emotional health for you and your partner. That’s a win-win in our book.

If you’re looking for premature ejaculation treatments, you can get discreet help delivered to your door through Keeps. With our expert-recommended, clinically-trusted treatment plans for PE, you can count on the same convenient care and reliable results you’ve come to know from us.

Complete a consultation to connect with a Keeps medical provider to find the personalized PE treatment plan that’s right for you.

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