Is premature ejaculation curable?

We get this question a lot at our Atlanta Men’s Health Clinic, and it’s a very fair question.

If you have premature ejaculation during sexual activity, it may seem like it’s a problem that could last for a long time.

Chronic problems seem never-ending, but fortunately, you can take steps to manage premature ejaculation.

Sexual dysfunctions like premature ejaculation have several causes and are relatively common, so don’t feel alone if you are experiencing this problem.

In the article below, we will explore the different ways to manage or maybe even cure your premature ejaculation.

What is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation, or PE, is ejaculation that cannot be controlled either before or shortly after engaging in sexual intercourse.

Many cases of premature ejaculation have no apparent cause, but there can be both physical and emotional causes of PE.

Your PE could be related to psychological factors, sexual situations, or medical causes like hormone imbalances or high blood pressure.

Causes of Premature Ejaculation

The exact cause of PE is unknown, but it is widely believed to be due to a complex interaction of psychological and biological factors.

PE is both a mental and physical issue.

You may experience PE from your first sexual experience, which is called lifelong premature ejaculation. This is rare.

Acquired premature ejaculation is more common and is developed over time.

The cause of your condition depends on the type of premature ejaculation you have.

Lifelong premature ejaculation is typically caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain that lowers the threshold for ejaculation.

Psychological issues like performance anxiety could also cause it.

Acquired premature ejaculation is more often than not caused by performance anxiety.

This anxiety is typically related to sexual performance, shame around sexual acts, or worries around a specific sexual situation, like entering a new sexual relationship.

Depression and low self-esteem may contribute to PE.

Certain religious beliefs have also been known to cause or contribute to PE.

Acquired PE can also be caused by erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is when you struggle to get or maintain an erection.

Risk Factors Of PE

Various factors can increase your risk of premature ejaculation.

The main risk factor is erectile dysfunction.

You may have an increased risk of PE or rapid ejaculation if you have trouble getting or maintaining an erection.

Many men with erectile dysfunction have PE because they are afraid they will lose their erection, so they consciously or unconsciously hurry through sexual intercourse or other sexual encounters.

Emotional or mental strain and stress in any area of your life can play a role in PE.

This stress limits your ability to relax and focus during sexual encounters.

Psychological Treatments

A doctor can refer you to a psychologist or a sex therapist.

Therapy can help you identify and work through any underlying sexual or relationship issues that could be causing your PE.

You can go to therapy by yourself, or you can attend couples therapy with your partner to uncover any issues with the relationship that may be contributing to your condition.

A couple’s psychologist or counselor will listen to both parties objectively and offer solutions and exercises that can help build trust and improve communication.  

Behavioral Therapy

There are things that you can do before and during sex to help control ejaculation.

One thing many men find helpful is masturbating an hour or two before intercourse to increase your ejaculation time.

You can also wear a thick condom to decrease the sensation during sex.

New positions with your partner may also help you identify which positions make you feel the most aroused.

There’s also a link between weak pelvic floor muscles and PE.

Pelvic floor exercises, or kegel exercises, can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, giving you better control.

There are other exercises you can do alone or with your partner to build tolerance and delay ejaculation and help you last longer in bed.

Many of these exercises aren’t a long-term solution, but they can help in the short term.

Minerals

Zinc

There may be a link between supplements, or a lack thereof, and PE.

Zinc seems to play a role in PE and male fertility.

The International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that studies have found reduced quantities of zinc in the seminal fluid of males with infertility.

Taking a Zinc supplement improves sexual dysfunction and increases serum testosterone levels in the body.

This can improve libido and help improve sexual dysfunction, including PE.

Taking zinc supplements seems to promote overall sexual health in many ways, but there aren’t direct studies linking zinc to stopping or improving PE.

Magnesium

Magnesium is another essential mineral that is needed for healthy sperm production and reproductive health.

The Asian Journal of Andrology published a study that found that low magnesium levels contribute to PE.

Magnesium may increase certain muscle contractions common in orgasms.

That’s why getting enough magnesium may help with premature ejaculation.

Topical Products For Premature Ejaculation

Premature Ejaculation Wipes

PE wipes work by reducing sensation in the tip of the penis.

The wipes contain benzocaine that block the sodium channels that cause sensations in the penis.

A study in 2017 found that men who used these wipes for at least two months experienced less distress related to intercourse.

Most participants also ejaculated well after the 2-minute time period that’s typical of premature ejaculation.

Topical Creams

Topical anesthetic creams have a numbing agent that can treat premature ejaculation by reducing sensation and delaying climax.

To be most effective, apply the cream to your penis 10 to 15 minutes before sex.

Topical creams have been found to help increase the time it took to ejaculate by a few minutes.

Anesthetic creams can cause:

• mild pain
• mild burning sensation
• decreased libido
• a temporary loss of sensitivity 

When Should You Seek Help For PE?

You should speak with a medical professional if you notice that you are ejaculating sooner than you’d like during most sexual encounters.

Many men feel embarrassed discussing sexual health concerns, but it shouldn’t keep you from talking to someone about it.

Premature ejaculation is a common and very treatable problem.

A conversation may also lessen concerns about premature ejaculation.

It can be reassuring to hear that occasional premature ejaculation is very normal and that the average time of intercourse is about five minutes.

Choice Men’s Health Can Help With Your Premature Ejaculation

If you’re suffering from premature ejaculation or worried you have erectile dysfunction, it’s time to take action.

A certified medical professional with Choice Men’s Health can diagnose your PE and develop a treatment plan so you can live a happier, healthier life.

If you have questions about premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, Choice Men’s Health in Atlanta, Georgia, has been helping men enjoy a healthy sex life for years.

To schedule an appointment with our specialists and get started on your Custom PE Treatment, call (404) 400-3717 or filling out a form here.