Definition
Premature ejaculation is when you are unable to control ejaculation, leading to ejaculation occurring sooner than you an your partner want during sexual activity. It is a common sexual complaint but is only considered a problem if you:
- Always or nearly always ejaculate within 1 to 3 minutes of penetration
- Are not able to delay ejaculation during sex
- Feel distressed and frustrated and tend to avoid sexual intimacy as a result
Causes
The exact cause of premature ejaculation is not always clear, but it can result from a combination of factors, including:
Psychological factors:
- Performance anxiety, stress, and psychological pressures related to sexual performance
- Relationship Problems unresolved conflicts or lack of intimacy within a relationship
- Stress
- Depression
Physical factors:
- Prostate problems
- Thyroid disorders
- Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially serotonin, which is involved in mood regulation and ejaculation control
- Medications
- Recreational use of drugs that affect the nervous system
Symptoms
The primary symptom of premature ejaculation is that ejaculation occurs sooner than you or your partner wishes. Other symptoms include:
- Frustration, embarrassment, and anxiety
- Dissatisfaction and tension in sexual relationships
- Avoidance of sexual encounters or intimacy