Understanding Premature Ejaculation
By Dr Sanjiva Wijesinha

If a man suffers from Premature Ejaculation he is Usually Embarrassed to Seek Professional Advice

Premature ejaculation (referred to as PE) describes the situation that happens when a man ejaculates ("comes") before he or his partner feels ready for this to happen. It is the result of the man being unable to control the timing of his ejaculation.
Commonest male sexual complaint

The condition can affect men of all ages, and is the probably the commonest self-reported male sexual complaint. It has been estimated to affect about one in three men. PE has been found to be more common in younger men, perhaps because younger men are less experienced sexually or are less secure with the situation in which they are having sex.

Ejaculation occurring without control, on or shortly after vaginal penetration and before the subject wishes it, can cause marked distress or interpersonal difficulties - and significantly impact on a man's (and his partner's) quality of life. It not only causes anxiety and frustration, such anxiety can actually increase as the affected man tries to find ways of improving the situation.

How soon is too soon?

The most important thing is to understand that there is no fixed or "normal" time for ejaculation. Premature ejaculation simply refers to the loss of control over ejaculation and the distress it causes a man and/or his partner - not the actual time which a man takes to ejaculate.

The treatments that are available today include behavioural techniques as well as psychosexual counseling. Ideally, therapy should involve both the man and his partner.
The primary aims of therapy are for the man to regain a sense of control over his ejaculation time and for him and his partner to feel satisfaction with sexual intercourse.

Techniques to reduce penile sensation (such as local anaesthetic gels and creams, applied about half an hour before intercourse) can help. These should be used with a condom to prevent absorption of the cream by the partner.