Premature ejaculation is one of the most common sexual complaints among couples. If it becomes a regular occurrence during sexual activity, premature ejaculation can lead to avoiding sexual contact because of the anxiety and frustration often experienced by it.
Premature ejaculation is the inability to control the male climax during sexual activity, resulting in the release of semen within three minutes after penetration. Some guidelines define premature ejaculation as the frequent act of ejaculating within 1 minute of entering your partner.
It is not uncommon for most men to experience this early ejaculation at some point during their sex lives. But if this condition persists for most or all of a man’s sexual activity, this is considered a chronic condition that requires treatment.
The average time for ejaculation during sexual activity is about five-and-a-half minutes after the start, according to a recent study of 500 couples. The time may differ for men who have sex with men. Of course, the acceptable amount of time taken to ejaculate depends on the couple and their desires, so a shorter amount of time may be acceptable in that situation.
But the problem with premature ejaculation is that it can lead to frustration and distress, and ultimately an unfulfilling sexual relationship. So, understanding what constitutes a treatable condition, the underlying causes, and possible treatments are important to discover a solution and ways to improve sexual satisfaction for you and your partner.
What Is Premature Ejaculation?
The early release of semen during sexual activity, typically within one minute or so of penetration, can be one of two types. Primary premature ejaculation is when a man has always climaxed early, within one to three minutes, of the start of sexual activity. Secondary premature ejaculation, also known as acquired premature ejaculation, is a condition that has developed recently.
The cause of primary premature ejaculation is often psychological, like the experience of suffering a traumatic sexual experience at an early age that impacts your sexual experiences as an adult. Secondary premature ejaculation can be caused by psychological factors as well, but also physical factors, such as drinking too much alcohol or an inflamed prostate gland, also known as prostatitis.
How Can Premature Ejaculation Be Treated?
Depending on the type of premature ejaculation condition and the underlying cause of it, there are various ways it can be treated. If there is a physical cause of premature ejaculation, a physician may be able to offer treatment options that can include supplements or medications.
If the cause of premature ejaculation is psychological, this could prove more challenging to treat and can require counseling, perhaps long-term. But the treatment can prove successful for men who commit to the treatment recommended as part of their therapeutic treatment.
Can Premature Ejaculation Be Treated With Dietary Supplements?
There are a number of minerals that have been identified that health professionals believe to offer some treatment options for premature ejaculation, including:
- Zinc: Some studies have suggested a link between supplements such as zinc and sexual dysfunction. Zinc may play a role in male fertility, according to some studies that identified low levels of zinc in the seminal fluid of males diagnosed with infertility. As a result, some health professionals recommend zinc supplements to men suffering from premature ejaculation, which can improve sexual dysfunction, increase serum testosterone levels and enhance sexual libido in men. However, more research is needed to determine if there is a direct link between zinc and premature ejaculation. Studies thus far have not produced evidence to support the definitive conclusion that Zinc reduces premature ejaculation.
- Magnesium: This mineral is also considered to be important to healthy sperm development and overall to reproductive health. Some research has found that low magnesium levels can contribute to premature ejaculation. The lower levels of the minerals are thought to increase certain muscle contractions that are common in the male orgasm. As a result, some health professionals recommend taking magnesium supplements to help with premature ejaculation.
- Other minerals: In addition to research related to zinc and magnesium, other minerals are believed to be important when it comes to the development of healthy sperm and male fertility in general. These other minerals include copper, calcium, manganese and selenium. While there is interest in better understanding how these minerals impact a man’s general reproductive health, there is no evidence at this time that shows definitively that these minerals are a viable treatment for premature ejaculation. However, these minerals can provide general health benefits and should be considered as possible enhancements to their overall reproductive health.
Is There medicine Available To Treat Premature Ejaculation?
There is medicine available to help treat premature ejaculation. Studies have shown that compared to other non-opioid treatment types, Tramadol can be effective for premature ejaculation. According to Dr. Rachel Rubin, Tramadol works by changing how sensations are perceived during sex.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) also can be an effective way to address the problem. SSRIs are primarily used in the treatment of depression, but a side effect is delaying ejaculation during sexual activity. The SSRI Dapoxetine is designed to treat premature ejaculation, prescribed for use one to three hours before sexual activity.
In addition, there are other drugs that can be used off-label, or in a way that is different than what the drug was licensed for when it was introduced into the market. Physicians have the discretion to offer patients these drugs as prescriptions if they determine it will be in their best interest.
Some other SSRIs that can be prescribed in this way for the treatment of premature ejaculation include paroxetine, sertraline, or fluoxetine. These drugs must be taken for one to two weeks consistently before the patient realizes any true benefits.
A physician might also consider prescribing anesthetic creams and sprays, including lidocaine or prilocaine cream, as a treatment for premature ejaculation. These drugs work by reducing sensitivity in the penis, thus hindering ejaculation.
