Ejaculation problems

More resources

What is premature ejaculation?

There are many different definitions of premature ejaculation1. If you regularly ejaculate sooner than you wish, or with minimal stimulation, and it is a problem for you and your partner, you may have premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation can be lifelong or acquired. Lifelong premature ejaculation refers to when it is present from someone’s first sexual experience. Acquired premature ejaculation develops after previously having a longer, satisfactory time to ejaculation.

It might be generalised (occurring in most situations or on most occasions regardless of partner) or situational (only occurring with some types of stimulation or with a particular partner)1.

Premature ejaculation is the most common sexual problem in the world1 affecting at least 1 in 3 to 1 in 5 men aged 18-591,2. However, people are reluctant to talk about the issue so the incidence might be higher.

Symptoms of premature ejaculation

Symptoms of premature ejaculation are different between individuals. Whether your premature ejaculation is lifelong or acquired, generalised or situational, are important considerations that may influence your diagnosis and treatment.

In some men, premature ejaculation occurs along with erectile dysfunction2.

Causes of premature ejaculation

The cause of premature ejaculation is not the same for everyone.

Some people may have:

• Genetic causes related to the molecules that signal between nerves

• Psychological causes

• Other health problems (e.g abnormal hormone levels) that may contribute to premature ejaculation2.

About 1 in 3 to 1 in 4 men with premature ejaculation also have erectile dysfunction1.

Diagnosis of premature ejaculation

There are no specific tests needed to diagnose premature ejaculation, but your doctor might order some tests so they can be sure of the cause.

If you’re worried about how quickly you ejaculate during sexual activity, your doctor will ask you some questions to understand your concerns and start to understand the cause or problem.

Your doctor may use a questionnaire (e.g. the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool3) to help them understand how premature ejaculation is affecting you.

Treatment of premature ejaculation

Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on what’s causing it.

There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat premature ejaculation2.

Talking with a psychologist, sex therapist or other mental health professional may help. Behavioural treatments, like the ‘stop-start’ and ‘squeeze’ techniques, are effective for some people4.

Masturbation before sexual activity, wearing condoms, pelvic floor exercises and acupuncture might be effective for some people but there isn’t a lot of evidence to support their use2.

If premature ejaculation is related to erectile dysfunction, treating the erection problem might solve the ejaculation problem1,2.

You might want to involve your sexual partner in discussions about how to manage premature ejaculation because the issue may affect their sexual satisfaction, and there may be things they can do to help.

Health effects of premature ejaculation

Treatment of premature ejaculation is successful in 30-70% of cases1.

Lifelong premature ejaculation cannot be cured but it can be managed with ongoing treatment1. Acquired premature ejaculation may be cured by successfully treating the underlying issue.

Premature ejaculation can lead to stress, anxiety, erectile dysfunction and problems with your interpersonal relationships1. so it’s important to seek help.

What to do about premature ejaculation

You should be reassured that premature ejaculation is very common and there are effective treatments that can help.

Your doctor can help you identify the reason for your premature ejaculation and find a suitable treatment, so you should see them if your sexual function is a cause of concern for you.

What questions should I ask my doctor about premature ejaculation?

  • Can we include my sexual partner in discussions about the causes and treatment of my premature ejaculation?
  • What do you think could be the cause of my premature ejaculation?
  • What do you think would be the best treatment for me?
  • How long after I start treatment will I notice an improvement?
References

[1] Crowdis & Nazir, 2020. Premature Ejaculation. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546701

[2] Chung et al., 2015. Premature ejaculation: A clinical review for the general physician. Australian Family Physician

[3] Symonds et al., 2007. Development and Validation of a Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool. European Urology

[4] Cooper et al., 2015. Behavioral Therapies for Management of Premature Ejaculation: A Systematic Review. Sex Med

Resources

Ejaculation Problems Fact Sheet Image Tile

Fact Sheet Fact sheet

Ejaculation problems fact sheet

Premature Ejaculation Fact Sheet Tile Image

Fact Sheet Fact sheet

Premature ejaculation fact sheet

Ejaculatory Disorders Clinical Summary Guide

Clinical Summary Guide Clinical summary guide

Ejaculatory Disorders Clinical Summary Guide