‘When male climax occurs too soon, the man feels inadequate and the woman unfulfilled and disappointed.’
ABOUT 33 percent of men experience premature ejaculation at one time or another. If it occurs rarely or occasionally, it is not a permanent issue to be seriously concerned about. If persistent, this condition could be devastating to a couple.
What is premature ejaculation?
The most satisfying love-making is when the orgasm of the partners occurs exactly at the same time. Normally, the timing does not have to be perfect for a couple to have enjoyable sex, but if the male ejaculates before penetration or just one minute or less after penetration, it is called premature ejaculation. In some cases, premature ejaculation could also happen during masturbation. When male climax occurs too soon, the man feels inadequate and the woman unfulfilled and disappointed. But there is hope.
How long should intercourse last?
There is no set rule for this. In a survey of 4,400 heterosexual partners, the act lasted for an average of 19 minutes, 10 minutes of foreplay, and 9 minutes of actual penetrating intercourse. Other studies show the average vaginal sex lasts about 5 minutes. Some women want longer foreplay before orgasm is possible. Certain positions make some men ejaculate later or sooner. Being candid with each other and exploring various techniques will help the couple find the best strategy.
What causes pre-ejaculation?
The exact cause of premature ejaculation is not known. It was previously thought to be psychological, but science now knows the cause is a complex interaction between psychological and biological factors. The psychological role includes sexual abuse, early sexual experiences, depression, poor body image and self-esteem, the guilt of rushing through sexual encounters, and the actual worry about premature ejaculation itself. The other factors are stress, anxiety, problem in the relationship; and erectile dysfunction. The biological factors are inherited traits, abnormal levels of the hormones, infection of the prostate or urethra, and abnormal levels of brain chemicals, the neurotransmitters.
When should a physician be consulted?
If premature ejaculation happens most of the time, it is time to see a physician, no matter how embarrassing. In some cases, talking to a physician could be so reassuring it could help. Some men think ejaculation after 5 minutes of sex is premature. Ejaculation outside the vagina (quick withdrawal), sometimes still results in pregnancy.
How is pre-ejaculation diagnosed?
Premature ejaculation is confirmed if the man always or nearly always discharges his semen within 60 seconds of penetration; unable to delay ejaculation during the sex act all the time or most of the time; when he feels frustrated and depressed over it and usually avoids sex because of it. The two types of pre-ejaculation are Primary (life-long), when the man experiences premature ejaculation his whole life, from the very first sexual encounter; Secondary (Acquired), when it develops after having no ejaculatory problems in the past. Besides asking about the details of your sexual life, the physician will also ask about your personal, medical, and family history, and some info about your partner. This is followed by a complete physical examination. A referral to a urologist might be needed.
What is the treatment for pre-ejaculation?
The management for this condition includes behavioral modification, medications, topical anesthetics, and counseling. Each man varies in response to the treatment. Behavioral therapy combined with drug could be a most effective option. Masturbation an hour or two before sexual intercourse to delay ejaculation sometimes helps. Another is abstinence from intercourse for a period of time and performing other modes of sexual play with the woman to reduce anxiety and pressure before the actual intercourse. Doing Kegel pelvic floor exercises to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles that can cause pre-ejaculation helps. When one holds back on passing gas (sort of puckering, tightening the anus), the muscles involved are the pelvic muscles. To do the Kegel exercise, hold the contraction for 3 seconds and then relax for 3 seconds, repeating this same cycle (3 sets of ten) a day. This can be done while sitting, standing, or even walking.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
