Understanding ejaculation problems
It’s common for ejaculation problems to occur as you age. The first step to fixing your ejaculation problems is talking to your doctor.
Ejaculation happens when semen leaves your body through your penis. Ejaculation problems usually don’t pose health concerns, but they can be embarrassing to experience. Learn how to fix ejaculation problems like premature ejaculation.
Experts estimate that at least one in five men will struggle with ejaculation problems sometime during their life. While the problem is primarily psychological, an individual’s biology may also be a factor.
Your body’s central nervous system controls ejaculation. When you are sexually aroused, a signal travels to your spine and brain. When sexual excitement reaches a certain level, your brain communicates back to your reproductive organs. This triggers ejaculation.
Ejaculation emission. The first phase of ejaculation is emission. Your sperm travel from your testicles to your prostate to mix with seminal fluid. The prostate sits just behind the base of the penis.
Ejaculation expulsion. When the muscles near the prostate contract, it forces semen out of your penis. Ejaculation and orgasm typically occur at the same time. However, it is possible to climax without ejaculating. If this happens, you will probably lose your erection.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation
This condition is different than premature ejaculation, although sometimes they happen together. With ED, you may struggle to get and keep an erection that is hard enough to have sex. Some men with this condition also ejaculate prematurely. ED is a more serious health condition and should be treated first.
3 Main causes for premature ejaculation
Serotonin: This is a chemical your body produces to balance feelings and emotions. Higher amounts of serotonin lead to a longer wait before ejaculation. If your serotonin levels are low, you may experience premature ejaculation.
Mental health: If you are struggling with psychological issues, it may lead to premature ejaculation. When you address mental health issues, you may be able to overcome ejaculation problems. Examples of mental health issues may include:
- Depression
- Guilt
- Not feeling confident
- The pressure of needing to perform sexually
- Problems in your relationship
- Stress
Age: It’s common for ejaculation problems to occur as you age. Your erection may not last as long before you ejaculate. While this can be a natural occurrence, you should still talk to your doctor about any concerns you have.
5 Methods to cure premature ejaculation
Talk to your doctor: The first step to fixing your ejaculation problems is talking to your doctor. You usually have some control over when you ejaculate. If you feel like you are losing this control, you may be experiencing premature ejaculation. Your doctor may ask you:
- How often do you experience ejaculation problems?
- How long have you been dealing with this problem?
- Does this happen every time you have sex?
- Has the problem changed your sexual activity?
- Does anything make the problem better or worse?
Therapy: If mental health concerns affect your ejaculation, seek out therapy to work through your feelings. Address the issues in your life that are causing stress and gain back your confidence. If premature ejaculation is adding stress to your life, talk to your therapist about how to overcome the problem.
Squeeze method: You can use this practice during sex to address premature ejaculation at the moment. When you’re close to ejaculating, you or your partner can squeeze your penis firmly to reduce your erection. This method may help you become more aware of when you will ejaculate, leading to increased control over your orgasm.
Stop-start method: With this practice, you stop stimulation close to the time of ejaculation. Pause until the urge to climax releases and then begin again. Repeat this method three times during sex and then ejaculate on the fourth climax. Using this method consistently can also help to extend ejaculation over time as you gain more control.
Prescriptions: If these methods don’t work, your doctor may prescribe a numbing cream or spray. These products can help extend your ejaculation by removing some of the sensations in your penis. Make sure you apply the cream five to ten minutes before sex and wipe it off before intercourse. Otherwise, the numbing spray or cream may also make your partner numb.
There are no oral medications approved to treat ejaculation problems. Still, some doctors prescribe antidepressants to address ejaculation problems. Because these medications help with your body’s chemical balance, they may increase your serotonin levels.
Results to expect
The methods covered in this article will work for 95% of men. It’s important to relax and not allow ejaculation problems to affect your mental health too much. Ejaculation problems can happen occasionally, but that doesn’t mean you have a larger issue. If you continue to experience ejaculation problems, talk to your doctor about your concerns.
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References
Harvard Medical School: "Premature Ejaculation."
Medline Plus: "Premature ejaculation."
Urology Care Foundation: "What is Premature Ejaculation?"
