Definition of premature ejaculation

Men who have a premature ejaculation come within a few seconds. Medically, premature ejaculation is defined when a man comes within one minute and often within 30 seconds of every love play. Some men come before penetration.

Many men talk about a premature ejaculation when they come faster than they want, even if it does not agree with the medical definition above.

Normal time from penetration to ejaculation is about five minutes. Women are often not satisfied with this. In such cases, the couple can do more extensive foreplay before penetration. More information.

How common is premature ejaculation

There is not much statistics on this available, but one American study indicates that 29% of all men have problems with premature ejaculation.

Cause of premature ejaculation

The most frequent cause is sexual insecurity and the fear of doing it wrongly. The fear increases the excitement, and makes the ejaculation take place. Sometimes, coming fast has been learned in childhood by quick masturbation for example. One has learned, as a reflex, to come fast when excited. Insufficient concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin is now thought to be a physical cause.

Treatment of premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation can be treated with medicines, such as serotonergic anti-depressants or SSRIs (Seroxat, Prozac, Cipramil, Zoloft) the ejaculation can be delayed. This medication improves the transmittal of serotonin (a substance in the body) between two nerves. These medicines need to be taken 2 to 3 hours before the expected sexual activity. This can be experienced as a disadvantage, because it reduces the spontaneity around making love. But some people take them regularly every day, avoiding this problem. One has to take into account that side effects may happen.

A medicine of this type, which is marketed especially to treat premature ejaculation, has the name Priligy.

Good results have also been obtained with sexological treatments. This treatment is aimed at giving the man control over the ejaculation. A part of this is to withdraw the penis while making love to stop stimulation and thus prevent premature ejaculation.

In some mild cases, use of a condom can help.

Problem for the man or for the woman?

If too early male orgasm is experienced as a problem by the woman, but not by the man, see our informational pages about female orgasm problems.

More about sexual problems