What is Premature Ejaculation (PE)?

Premature ejaculation, also referred to as early or rapid ejaculation, is defined by the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) as a male sexual dysfunction characterized by ejaculation which always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about one minute of penetration, and the inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all penetrations.

It often causes significant anxiety and frustration for the couple and can lead to avoidance of sexual intimacy.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common forms of sexual dysfunction, affecting as many as 1 in 4 adult men, according to a survey conducted by Canadian Male Sexual Health Council.

Many experts believe that PE is probably under-diagnosed as many men find it difficult to openly discuss it with their care providers.

Premature ejaculation is one of the most common forms of sexual dysfunction. We can help.
01

Two Types of Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is categorized into either Lifelong PE or Acquired PE.

Patients with lifelong PE could never achieve a normal ejaculatory experience, often ejaculating in less than 1 minute.

In the case of acquired PE, there is usually a contributory factor such as performance anxiety that causes rapid ejaculation in otherwise healthy individuals. Patients with acquired PE may experience an ejaculatory time of less than 3 minutes.

While premature ejaculation is more common in younger men, it can happen at any age.

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Diagnosis of Premature Ejaculation

Having an orgasm too soon is not always cause for concern. However, clinical diagnosis is made when a man exhibits the following symptoms:

  • Ejaculation occurs too quickly, often in the first few minutes of intercourse, or in other sexual situations, even during masturbation
  • Inability to delay ejaculation most of the time
  • Feelings of anxiety, or avoidance of sexual intimacy as a result

Both psychological and biological factors can play a role in premature ejaculation. Although many men feel embarrassed talking about it, premature ejaculation is a common and treatable condition.

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Consequences of Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation can cause problems in a man’s personal life, including:

  • Stress and relationship problems – a common complication of premature ejaculation is relationship stress.
  • Fertility problems – premature ejaculation can occasionally make fertilization difficult for couples who are trying to have a baby if ejaculation doesn’t occur intravaginally.
  • Erectile Dysfunction – studies have also shown that up to 30% of men with premature ejaculation also have difficulties getting or maintaining an erection.
PE treatment options in Hamilton can include penile frenulectomy, shockwave therapy, injection therapy, and more. We can help.

Premature ejaculation treatment explained by Dr. Pollock

Causes of Premature Ejaculation

The exact cause of premature ejaculation is still uncertain however, many believe that Lifelong PE is believed to be a result of penile hypersensitivity, while acquired PE is often caused by a complex neurochemical and psychological disturbance.

In addition, there are some speculations that PE may also be affected by genetic, ethnic, and cultural factors for which further scientific evidence is required.

Premature ejaculation involves a complex interaction of psychological and biological factors.

St. Catharines/Niagara Falls PE Treatment Options

An individualized treatment plan will be determined for each patient after a thorough medical examination and consultation and with consideration of the patient’s goals, values and preferences. Options include:

Additional Therapies

In addition to the above there are a variety of other pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for premature ejaculation.