Here at PEGym, we often talk about premature ejaculation or problems with stamina. These are two well-discussed aspects of male enhancement. However, there’s a flip side to this coin that affects men as well — delayed ejaculation.
Now, if you have a problem with premature ejaculation, you might think delayed ejaculation would be awesome. Being able to have marathon sessions of sex – who wouldn’t want that? The reality is, delayed ejaculation can be just as frustrating for the man and his partner as premature ejaculation. Not only is there the physical exhaustion and frustration to deal with, but the partner may begin to question whether or not they are truly desired, when their partner isn’t able to orgasm.
What is Delayed Ejaculation?
Sometimes known as “impaired ejaculation,” delayed ejaculation is a condition when a man cannot orgasm, despite an extended period of sexual stimulation (typically 30 minutes or more). For some men, this may mean not being able to ejaculate at all. This is sometimes a temporary problem, and can happen on occasion to any man, or it may be a lifelong issue.
Delayed ejaculation is typically divided into categories:
- Lifelong or Acquired – As both categorical names suggest, this categorization is based on when the condition first presented. If delayed ejaculation was not a problem in the past, then it’s deemed to be acquired.
- Generalized or Situational – Again the category names here really explain quite well the differentiation. Generalized delayed ejaculation means the man experiences challenges ejaculating in all sexual situations and with all sex partners. In situational delayed ejaculation, there are only certain circumstances where the man has problems with delayed ejaculation. For example, he may be able to reach orgasm normally masturbating, but only experiences delayed ejaculation during penetrative sex.
Causes of Delayed Ejaculation
Delayed ejaculation can be caused by physical causes, psychological causes or substances.
Physical causes of delayed ejaculation include:
- Certain birth defects affecting the male reproductive system
- Injury to the pelvic nerves that control orgasm
- Certain infections, such as a urinary tract infection
- Prostate surgery, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or prostate removal
- Neurological diseases, such as diabetic neuropathy, stroke or nerve damage to the spinal cord
- Hormone-related conditions, such as low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or low testosterone (hypogonadism)
- Retrograde ejaculation, a condition in which the semen goes backward into the bladder rather than out of the penis
- Age, it is normal as a man to get older for him to take longer to orgasm
Psychological causes of delayed ejaculation include:
- Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
- Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns
- Anxiety about performance
- Poor body image
- Cultural or religious taboos
- Differences between the reality of sex with a partner and sexual fantasies
Medications and other substances that can cause delayed ejaculation include:
- Some antidepressants
- Certain high blood pressure medications
- Certain diuretics
- Some antipsychotic medications
- Some anti-seizure medications
- Alcohol — particularly drinking too much (alcohol abuse or alcoholism)
Delayed ejaculation can begin a vicious cycle of anxiety. A temporary bout of delayed ejaculation can cause the man to be anxious, which further increases the chance of delayed ejaculation.
Treatment of Delayed Ejaculation
If your delayed ejaculation is determined to be related to a physical cause, addressing this issue will be the course of treatment. Likewise, if your delayed ejaculation is due to a substance you’re taking then speak with your doctor to see if a different medication can be used, to counter this side effect. If you drink and are experiencing delayed ejaculation – stop. Even if you do not feel like you drink in excess, this could be causing the problem.
If none of the physical or substance connections appear to apply, your delayed ejaculation may be due to psychological issues. Speak with a mental health professional and they can help you pinpoint where the issues lie. If it’s a relationship problem, couple’s therapy may be of help too.