"I come too fast in bed." It's a concern many men share, and it takes courage to acknowledge. If this resonates with you, know that you're far from alone. Premature ejaculation (PE) affects a significant number of men, and the good news is, it's manageable. Today, we're diving deep into PE with insights from Dr. Abhishek Kumar Sharma, a respected NIMHANS-trained psychiatrist and sexologist in Bangalore.
Understanding Premature Ejaculation: What You Need to Know
"Many patients believe PE means climaxing 'too soon,' but 'soon' is subjective," Dr. Abhishek explains. "While there's no magic number, ejaculating within 0-2 minutes of penetration is often considered premature ejaculation." He further clarifies the two main categories:
- Lifelong (Primary) PE: Present since your first sexual experience.
- Acquired (Secondary) PE: Developed after a period of normal sexual performance.
Common signs include difficulty delaying ejaculation, ejaculating within a minute or less, increased stress, and avoidance of sexual activity.
Causes of Premature Ejaculation: Physical and Psychological Factors
"Performance anxiety is a major factor," Dr. Abhishek notes. "Overthinking and worrying can lead to rushing, causing early climax." Other psychological factors include:
- Stress from work or personal life.
- Low self-esteem or past negative sexual experiences.
- Relationship issues like poor communication.
Physical causes can include:
- Imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin.
- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).
- Erectile dysfunction (ED), where men rush to avoid losing their erection.
"Often, it's a mix," Dr. Abhishek says. "Men with ED may develop performance anxiety, creating a cycle. Addressing this cycle is crucial."
Home Remedies and Professional Treatments for PE
"While many remedies exist, I recommend starting with a consultation," Dr. Abhishek advises. "This avoids trial-and-error, which can increase anxiety."
- Psychological Therapy: Addresses anxiety, relationship issues, and past trauma. Couples therapy can improve intimacy.
-
Behavioural Techniques:
- Stop-start method: Pause when close to climax, then resume.
- Squeeze technique: Squeeze the penis base to reduce arousal.
- Topical Numbing Agents: Creams or sprays with lidocaine or benzocaine can reduce sensitivity.
- Condoms: Thicker condoms or those with numbing agents can prolong intercourse.
- Vibrators: Vibrators can help desensitize the penis, allowing for greater control and delayed ejaculation. Libertee vibrators are a great option.
- Medical Treatment: Antidepressants like paroxetine, sertraline, or dapoxetine can delay ejaculation. Consult a doctor first.
Lifestyle Changes for Improved Sexual Health
"Lifestyle changes are essential," Dr. Abhishek emphasizes.
- Healthy Diet: Include zinc and magnesium-rich foods.
- Regular Exercise: Improves blood flow and reduces stress. Regular exercise not only improves blood flow but also releases endorphins, which can reduce stress and boost mood.
- Mindfulness: Deep breathing and meditation lower anxiety.
- Limit Alcohol and Smoking: These affect erection quality.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels): Strengthen muscles for better control. Find free Kegel exercise guides online, or ask your sexologist.
Say No to Misinformation
For accurate information, consult trusted sources. Find Dr. Abhishek here for personalized treatment.
---
Join Libertee's newsletter for more sex-ed content and offers on our vibrating massagers. Stay pleasured, stay safe!