What is Premature Ejaculation?

‘Sexual intimacy can be difficult for many people to discuss. At Allcare pharmacy, our experienced teams can support and advise on the management of common conditions which may impact sexual intimacy. You can trust that any query you may have, relating to sexual intimacy or any other personal matter, will be handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality. Our consultation rooms are available for private consultations should you feel more comfortable in this environment. Our easily accessible Allcare Online Doctor Service is also available for the management of certain conditions such as premature ejaculation.

Ejaculation occurs where semen is released from the penis at sexual climax. Ejaculation problems are quite common, and it's estimated that at least 1 in 5 men will experience at least one episode in their life. The most common type of ejaculation problem is premature ejaculation, where a man ejaculates quicker than he would like to during sex. Premature ejaculation is not a problem unless it bothers you or your partner. Occasional episodes are common and nothing to be concerned about. Furthermore, there is no set time on how long sex should last. Studies on 500 couples have shown that the average time to ejaculation was approximately 5 minutes. However, it is ultimately for the man and his partner to decide if they are happy with the timeframe.

Premature ejaculation has many potential causes. Physical conditions which can increase the chance of premature ejaculation are prostate problems and thyroid conditions. Depression, stress, anxiety about performance, and relationship problems can also contribute to premature ejaculation. Certain medicines can play a role, as can alcohol misuse. There are other possible causes, for example, trauma or conditioning.

For some couples, premature ejaculation may put a strain on their sexual relationship. It may negatively affect a man’s desire for sexual intimacy and may lead to feelings of embarrassment and avoidance of sex.

Many men avoid speaking to their doctor about premature ejaculation as they are not aware that there are treatments available. However, there are treatment options that can be used to restore normal ejaculation. If you find that about half of your attempts at intercourse result in premature ejaculation, it might be worthwhile to seek help. Outcomes for those who seek treatment are generally positive. With the Allcare Online Doctor Service, you can have an online consultation with one of our doctors who will prescribe you medication if appropriate and recommend additional measures which may help.

In addition, some ‘self-help’ measures may be useful. These include using a thick condom to help to reduce sensitivity in the penis and reduce stimulation. Breathing techniques and taking breaks during intercourse may also be beneficial. Couples therapy or psychosexual therapy can also help with exploring practical ways to increase time to ejaculation.