Premature ejaculation is a form of male sexual dysfunction

Are you too quick on the draw? Unhappy because you orgasm and ejaculate too quickly, leaving you and your partner feeling dissatisfied? You aren’t alone. As many as 40% of men experience premature ejaculation, or PE, at one time or another. If you consistently have this male sexual dysfunction problem, you should reach out to our Houston urologists.

Ignoring the problem can cause relationship problems and even fertility issues. Don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking diagnosis and treatment that can improve your life.

What causes you to ejaculate prematurely?

Emotional, psychological, physical and chemical problems can cause premature ejaculation.

• Psychological issues, such as problems with body image, depression, stress or relationships
• Performance anxiety due to nerves, guilt, concerns about ejaculating too soon, or other performance issues
• ED, or erectile dysfunction
• Being extra sensitive to penile stimulation
• Problems with oxytocin levels or other hormones, such as thyroid stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormones or prolactin, all of which play a part in proper sexual function
• Issues with low levels of dopamine or serotonin, brain chemicals that contribute to sexual excitement and desire

Diagnosing premature ejaculation

Our Houston urologists have a great deal of experience helping men with PE problems. We spend a lot of time talking with you about your medical history, current conditions and medications, as well as your use of alcohol and illegal substances. For accurate diagnosis and treatment, we need to have an in-depth conversation with you about your experience with PE.

You can help by telling our urologists how long you have had the problem, how often it occurs, whether you have issues with erectile dysfunction, and other details about your sexual history. If our team thinks physical issues are causing your PE, we may recommend lab tests or other diagnostics.

Behavioral and psychological treatment

If you have certain psychological issues, you may benefit from counseling. Behavioral therapy, alone or in combination with other options, is the most common treatment for premature ejaculation. The following methods can help you cope with this type of male sexual dysfunction.

• The “squeeze” technique. Either yourself or your partner should stimulate your penis until you feel close to an orgasm. When you feel close, squeeze the head of your penis to lose your erection. You can repeat this technique one or more times before you orgasm.
• The “start and stop” technique. When you are close to having an orgasm, you or your partner should stop stimulating your penis for 30 seconds or longer – long enough for you to feel back in control. You can repeat this technique until you are ready to orgasm.
• Masturbate before you have sexual intercourse with a partner to help delay PE.

Medical treatment for premature ejaculation

Our team can help you learn how to perform Kegel exercises, or we may recommend pelvic floor therapy. Medications can help you delay ejaculation. Special creams can partially numb your penis, helping to reduce the amount of stimulation you feel, thus delaying orgasm and ejaculation.

Our Houston urologists help men who are dealing with male sexual dysfunction

Whether you are dealing with PE or another type of sexual dysfunction, our caring, skilled urologists can help you. Don’t wait until you feel bad about yourself or have relationship problems. Contact us for an appointment.