What is premature ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation is a legitimate medical condition that affects over 30 percent of all men at some point in their lives. It’s a common, stressful subject for many, but it doesn’t have to go untreated.
Today, a few treatment options exist for both temporary and long-term premature ejaculation. Typically, patients suffering from ejaculation issues display one, or all, of these symptoms:
- Ejaculation within a minute or two of penetration
- Avoidance of sexual activity because of anxiety around their performance
- Inability to delay ejaculation, regardless of circumstance
Treatment options
Treatment options for PE often include medication that can help the brain relax and the body to function optimally. The goal is to delay ejaculation and prolong the sexual experience, including orgasm.
Sexual performance issues are more common in older men with underlying health issues like diabetes, but all men can face bouts of premature ejaculation. Anxiety and stress surrounding sexual performance then often makes the issue worse. The result is a condition that stems from both mental and physical issues, and then gets worse over time with added stress. Without treatment, it can snowball into a lifelong problem.
Occasional premature ejaculation is normal for any man. But if your symptoms persist for six months or longer, it may be time to look into professional treatments. And if the stress of PE is bleeding over into other aspects of life, then the right treatment could make all the difference – both in the bedroom and out.
Indicators of PE
Penis sensitivity is a leading indicator for PE, as is an overstimulated mind during sexual activity – both physical indicators. However, research suggests that psychological factors can lead to sexual dysfunction, as well.
Psychological issues that can lead to PE include:
- Anxiety – men with PE often report high rates of anxiety surrounding sex and sexual performance. General anxiety disorders can also affect sexual performance in some cases.
- Depression – research suggests that men who report signs of clinical depression are at higher risks for premature ejaculation.
- Confidence and body issues — premature ejaculation can be made worse by confidence issues surrounding sex. Poor body image may make sex more stressful and less pleasurable.
- Relationship issues – if the relationship is stress-inducing, performance issues can easily follow.
Secondary triggers for PE also include diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, alcohol abuse, and substance abuse.
Luckily, treatment options exist. The best way to begin treatment is by talking to your doctor, or talking to a medical specialist at a reputable erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation pharmacy, like MyDrHank.
If your symptoms align with premature ejaculation, you may receive a prescription for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) medication. The most common SSRI is sertraline (Zoloft), which is also used to treat depression and anxiety.
As a treatment for depression, SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain at any given time. The treatment is proven to help patients suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.
A common side effect reported by sertraline users over the years has been delayed orgasm and ejaculation; so doctors will often prescribe the medication “off-label” for patients who may not need it for depression. For sufferers of premature ejaculation, the common side effect becomes the “intended” treatment.
Doctors have been prescribing SSRIs for premature ejaculation for over 20 years. In one study, men with PE received a 25mg dose of sertraline, followed by incremental additions to the dosage over the following six weeks. The men in the study began with an average ejaculation time of just one minute. But after taking the SSRI for six weeks in approved dosages, the men reported mean ejaculation times of around 16-17 minutes. Another type of antidepressant, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can also aid in the delay of orgasm and ejaculation in certain men.
Side effects
Some side effects of antidepressants include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and perspiration. Antidepressants may cause erection problems in rare cases. The FDA reports that severe but less common side effects can include seizures, irregular heartbeat, and withdrawal symptoms.
Some doctors and medical professionals may also include erectile dysfunction medication like Viagra in a treatment plan for PE. This type of medication, known as PDE5 inhibitors, work by increasing blood flow to the penis, which takes the pressure off of the man to produce and maintain a long-lasting erection. Some patients will report increased confidence levels and the perception of ejaculatory control; though no direct link has been discovered between ED medication and premature ejaculation.
However, because Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) reduce the refractory time between orgasm and a new erection, sufferers of PE can theoretically use the medication to “get back in the saddle” for another go, even if the first interaction was brief.
Doctors and medical professionals seem to largely agree: prescription medication for premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction is the way to go. However, other options for premature ejaculation also exist.
- Condoms and wipes can help desensitize the penis to stimulation
- Sprays and creams that include topical anesthetics like lidocaine can reduce nerve activity in the penis for short amounts of time
- Certain techniques like squeezing the Kegel muscles during sex, stopping and starting, or changing angles can delay orgasms, according to some men
- Therapy and sexual therapy can help diagnose the root causes of the anxieties surrounding sex and sexual performance
- Dietary supplements that increase blood flow and calm the mind can theoretically improve the sexual experience for PE patients, though limited scientific evidence currently exists
When deciding which treatment option is best for you, it’s smart to invest in high-quality medication from a licensed medical professional and pharmacy. This means reaching out to MyDrHank and having a conversation about sertraline, sildenafil, or our other pharmaceutical options.
All prescriptions come with a professional consultation to determine which treatment plans are right for you. After reviewing your current symptoms and medical history, a real healthcare provider will determine if a prescription is appropriate.
There’s no shame in taking care of your sexual wellness and pleasure. It’s time to consult with MyDrHank to review your safest and most effective options.
