Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation also known as early ejaculation is a condition occasioned by involuntary ejaculation during sexual intercourse. The symptoms of premature ejaculation are not properly defined. Some researchers claim that if a man ejaculates after two minutes of penetration he suffers from premature ejaculation while others claim that if a man ejaculates before his partner achieves orgasm in fifty percent of their sexual encounters then he suffers from premature ejaculation. It is believed that the condition affects around 25%-40% of men and that at most men have had at least one incidence of premature ejaculation in their lifetime. Most adolescents and young men experience premature ejaculation during their first sexual encounter (Xin, 2006).

Premature ejaculation is mainly attributed to psychological factors. Most men do not attribute their sexual performance to their emotional well being. They believe that their sexual performance is mainly as a result of their physical strength. On the contrary, premature ejaculation is commonly associated with psychological factors such as depression, stress over financial matters and lack of confidence during intercourse. Premature ejaculation can also be as a result of conflicts in a relationship. Unresolved issues in a relationship may lead to premature ejaculation during intercourse.

Sex researchers and doctors have also linked premature ejaculation to physical factors. The process of ejaculation is usually the result of two sequential processes: emission and expulsion. Thee first process, emission involves the release of seminal fluid from the vas deferens, seminal vesicles and the prostrate gland. Expulsion on the other hand involves the closure of the bladder neck, systematic contractions of the urethra and sporadic relaxation of external urethral sphincters (Xin, 2006).

The emission phase of ejaculation is controlled by sympathetic motor neurons while the expulsion phase is controlled by somatic and autonomic motor neurons. These two motor neurons are located in the spinal cord and are activated when adequate sensory input to reach the threshold of ejaculation has entered the central nervous system. The neurotransmitter serotonin also plays an important role in the process of ejaculation (Xin, 2006). It regulates ejaculation and therefore low levels serotonin in the brain may lead to premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation has also been linked to genetic factors. In a study conducted on premature ejaculation, it was found that ninety percent of men who suffer from the condition also have a first-relative who has the same problem. Recent studies have shown that premature ejaculation can also be as a result of the sexual partner. In a study conducted on young married couples, it was discovered that the time taken for a man to ejaculate was affected by the menstrual cycle of his partner. During the fertile phase, most men were seen to ejaculate in a very short time (Patrick, 2005). The difference in age between the partners also has an impact on ejaculation. Men with older sexual partners are reported to reach the ejaculatory threshold quicker.

Premature ejaculation can have a great impact on a man’s self confidence. It may result in one being reluctant to engage in sexual activity with their partners. This may lead to misunderstandings in the relationship leading to permanent separation. Therefore it is important to seek medical help early enough so as rectify the problem. Most sex therapists recommend simple exercises which can assist in gaining control over ejaculation. Prescribed medicine such as anti anxiety or paroxetine which slows down ejaucation can also be useful in controlling the condition. Anesthetic creams may also be used. However they kill the sensation of the sexual partner and are therefore not recommended by sex therapists (Patrick, 2005). Premature ejaculation is a malfunctioning of the body just like any other disease and therefore men should not be traumatized by the condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference:

Xin. Z & Chung. W (2006). Penile Sensitivity in Patients with Primary Premature Ejaculation.

The Journal of Urology. Retrieved February 23, 2009 from http://linkinghub.elsevier.com

 

Patrick, D.L. (2005) Premature Ejaculation: An Observational Study of Men and Their Partners. The Journal Sexual Medicine. Retrieved February 23, 2009 from http://www3.interscience.wiley.com