Premature ejaculation (PE) occurs when a man reaches his orgasm and ejaculates before he or even his partner are ready for him to. Now, the really important part to understand is that he does so - without control. In other words, the occurrence of ejaculation occurs before a man wants it to happen. It may occur before or after beginning of foreplay or intercourse. Most men experience a lot of personal emotional distress because of this happening and they have not received any physical pleasure out of the experience. The female partner is also left unsatisfied, especially if he is an older man and is unable to have a second erection.

Statistically speaking as many as one in five men will experience difficulty with uncontrolled or early ejaculation during some point in his life. Young men experience PD, men in their 20's and 30's. This is not an old man's condition, although older men do experience premature ejaculation too. When Premature ejaculation happens frequently it interferes with the sexual pleasure of the man and or his partner. At this point is when it becomes a medical problem and the man should seek help to resolve the issue.

Premature ejaculation (PE) may involve several factors. Psychological issues such as stress, depression and other emotions that involve mental and emotional health can aggravate the condition to the point that it will interfere with his relationship and perhaps even his work life if the stress means he lacks sleep enough to interfere with his ability to function or if he becomes so depressed over the lack of ability that his depression causes serious consequences at work, school and in his relationship. There is some evidence that biological factors can make some men predestined to experience premature ejaculation, and these studies are ongoing.

It is rare, but premature ejaculation can be caused by a specific physical problem, like an inflammation of the prostate gland or as the result of spinal cord injury.

PE Symptoms:

Ejaculation that temporarily or routinely occurs with little sexual stimulation and for which the male has little or no control over

Decreased sexual pleasure because of the premature ejaculation

Extreme feelings of guilt, embarrassment and frustration

PE Diagnosis:

Premature ejaculation is diagnosed by a medical professional based on symptoms presented during the appointment. The doctor will need to discuss the sexual history including the events that initiated the medical visit. The man may feel that this is an embarrassing situation nonetheless it is important to be open and honest about the symptoms and the effect it has on him and his partner. The more the doctor is told the more information he/she can gather clues from that will assist in making the diagnosis and also in designing the treatment.

Once the psychological and behavioral information is gathered, the doctor may want to examine the male, especially his prostate. The doctor may also do some neurological tests (nervous system) to determine if there is a physical problem causing the premature ejaculation.

Expected Duration of PE symptoms:

Premature ejaculation can disappear on its own, especially in temporary incidences. It may also take behavioral therapy or psychological counseling as well as practicing of methods to learn control, especially when the PE is primary (has always occurred ever since the man first began coitus).

Some men respond to treatment promptly, while others struggle with this problem over a prolonged period. Most methods that the male will be taught will need to be practiced and may also involve participation from his partner.

The important thing is that effective treatment is available and has been proven to work with other men suffering from PE.

Prevention of PE:

There is no known way to prevent premature ejaculation. Living a healthy lifestyle can help to decrease your odds experiencing it.

Some lifestyle improvements that may make a difference for men:

Maintain a healthy attitude toward sex. Receive therapy for incidence of sexual abuse as soon as possible.

If you experience feelings of anxiety, guilt or frustration about your sex life, consider seeking psychotherapy or sexual therapy as soon as possible and keep open lines of communication regarding your feelings with your partner. Sexual dysfunction is closely tied to the relationship with your partner so choosing your partner wisely is one key to a healthy sexual experience.

Keep in mind that anyone can experience sexual problems. It is not healthy to blame yourself or your partner. This blame game will only make matters worse. Seek help as soon as possible as this is what will allow your sex life to return to normal.

Treatment for PE:

Behavioral therapy is one proven approach for treating premature ejaculation.

The "squeeze technique" is a common method used to help a man to gain control over his ejaculation another is the "start-stop".

Prescription medication can help to delay ejaculation but should be used only after all other non-medication techniques have been explored.

The drugs used for this type of treatment include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft); and tricyclic antidepressants, such as clomipramine (Anafranil).

Other drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis) are also used. A phosphodiesterase inhibitor can be used alone or in combination with an SSRI. Drugs should be started one at a time and at the lowest possible dosage.

There are also a number of different creams available that can partially anesthetize (numb) the penis that also reduce the stimulation that leads to orgasm, much like lidocaine does for cuts and scrapes or Novocain in the dentist chair.

Condoms have also been used successfully in fact there is a double condom method that has been used.

Some men with premature ejaculation have found control by reducing the stimulation they experience during sex or by masturbating before hand so that they can experience a greater degree of control during intercourse (this does not work with older men).

When To Call a Professional:

Seek medical advice when the occurrence of premature ejaculation is more than just a few times or when the premature ejaculation creates tension in your relationship.

Prognosis for PE:

Men can experience a short time of premature ejaculation, and then improve on their own. Men experiencing long-term premature ejaculation and who require medical treatment, or therapy also have a good chance for resolution and a return to healthy sexual experiences.