Introduction to Premature Ejaculation
Most men are aware of the common sexual dysfunction called Premature Ejaculation (PE), also sometimes commonly known as Rapid Ejaculation. Premature ejaculation typically affects younger men who are 40 years old or younger. However, according to the National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS), about 30% of all men suffer from premature ejaculation throughout all age categories.
30% is a very conservative figure, considering other surveys that indicate many men who suffer from premature ejaculation at some point in their life fail to report it to their physician. Some figures as high as 70% may be accurate for the number of men who experience either primary or secondary premature ejaculation at some point in their life.
What is Premature Ejaculation?
There is wide debate over the exact definition of premature ejaculation. Many sufferers and physicians suggest that premature ejaculation is simply when a man reaches orgasm and ejaculates within one or two minutes of vaginal penetration. Others suggest that premature ejaculation includes any man who ejaculates sooner than he desires, or sooner than his partner reaches orgasm, and causes distress to both partners.
Primary and Secondary
Premature ejaculation can be classified into two main categories: (1) Primary and (2) Secondary. Those with primary premature ejaculation have experienced this disorder since before puberty, or since they have become functioning sexually post-puberty.
Secondary premature ejaculation defines those who have experienced this condition later in life. Secondary premature ejaculation sufferers had at one time a satisfactory control over the ejaculation process, but for medical or psychological reasons, began having premature ejaculation later in life.
There is a third category known to be substance-induced. This simply means that a man experiences premature ejaculation due to the effects of alcohol, drugs, or other prescribed medications, and these can usually be controlled once the substance is out of the system.
Is It All in the Mind?
Some medial camps believe that premature ejaculation is a psychological or psychosomatic condition and claim that there is no known organic disease to cause the condition.
Physiologically, men with normal reproductive organs should be able to control the ejaculation process. Premature ejaculation is due to either a central or peripheral nervous system issue that controls the organ systems, and these may include hyperexcitability or anxiety.
Other medical experts say that many men who suffer from premature ejaculation may have other physiological issues involved outside of the nervous system, including hormonal imbalances, oversensitivity of genitalia, or even underdevelopment or deformation of portions of the internal male sexual organs.
Can Premature Ejaculation be Treated?
Most men who suffer from premature ejaculation want to be able to reverse or better control their sexual stimulation and orgasm. There are many remedies available that may be helpful including:
- Sexual therapy, including psychological counseling and physical sex techniques
- Decreasing penile sensitivity, usually through the use of condoms or creams
- Herbal or pharmacological remedies
Premature ejaculation is obviously a prevalent problem that affects many men, and it can significantly affect the quality of sexual and interpersonal relationships. However, with the right treatment or therapy, premature ejaculation can be a controllable condition, and the outlook is good for those who takes steps to deal with the problem.
