What causes premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation can be a real pain in the ****. But it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking for more information on what causes it and how you can treat it, you’ve come to the right place.

What is premature ejaculation?

The clinical explanation of premature ejaculation is when a man ejaculates sooner than desired, either before or shortly after penetration, leading to negative personal consequences, such as distress, frustration and/or the avoidance of sexual intimacy.

We surveyed 2,000 men across the globe and 28% said they think that PE is defined by lasting less than 1 minute. But there’s really no benefit in putting a time frame on PE. The important thing to look at and address is the loss of control you might feel when you’re having sex, because not feeling in control of your own body is frustrating. If you’re experiencing PE, or you just want a better personal best, you’re not alone. Coming too quickly is one fear that can hold some men back in the bedroom. The good news? There are solutions.

MORE: Want to get more control back in the bedroom? Read more here.

But first, what’s the root cause of premature ejaculation?

The exact cause of premature ejaculation isn’t entirely known, but what we do know is that our body and mind play a big role. Take a look at our list below to see if any of these apply to you. They may go a little way in explaining why you might be having some problems controlling your climax.

OUT OF BALANCE HORMONES

Our hormones usually make us ripe for sex, but they can also negatively affect some men. In some cases, low levels of hormones including prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, have been associated with premature ejaculation.

BRAIN CHEMICALS

Ejaculation is controlled by chemicals called ‘neurotransmitters’ which are released by nerve cells in the brain. The neurotransmitter that helps to prevent ejaculation is called serotonin. If your serotonin is low you could experience premature ejaculation.

INFLAMMATION AND INFECTION OF THE PROSTATE

Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate and if left untreated could cause premature ejaculation. You probably recoiled at the thought of it, but if you’re experiencing any form of pain in your junk, it’s important to get to a doctor.

EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

A few whiskeys on the rocks could be the liquid confidence that gets you into bed in the first place, but the fun most likely ends there. Some men self medicate PE with alcohol, but this can backfire. Alcohol consumption can cause problems with maintaining an erection and in turn cause PE.

MORE: Don’t cockblock yourself with drugs and alcohol. Find out why here.

EARLY SEXUAL EXPERIENCES

You would probably rather not recall your early sexual experiences; for most of us sweaty palms, fumbling body parts, and (in many cases) next to no pleasure pretty much sums it up. For some people, patterns can form around early sexual experiences that are hard to shake and result in PE.

SEXUAL ABUSE

It’s a horrible topic to bring up, but it is important for us to do so. Sexual abuse can have a long lasting impact that causes premature ejaculation. Sex can act as a trigger of past events which can be difficult to overcome. If this is something you’re struggling with, talking to a professional could really help, or try contacting a support hotline.

POOR BODY IMAGE

Self confidence really is a big player in PE. Just think about the difference in your confidence when you enter a room full of people you don’t know with your shoulders hunched as opposed to walking in standing tall and proud. It’s the same in the bedroom. Having a negative body image or low self esteem can manifest itself as premature ejaculation.

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Anxiety and depression are common causes of acquired premature ejaculation. When you’re faced with challenges of mental health, your staying power in the bedroom can suffer. Remember, you don’t have to tackle your mental health alone. Reach out to a loved one or chat to a professional.

MORE: Why a healthy mind is important for a healthy dick. Read more here

Ok, what are we going to do about PE?

When it comes to PE, there are plenty of solutions, with some more effective than others. Here are the main treatments available, along with their pros and cons.

• Condoms: Double wrapping is a bit of a bro’s tale. It may have worked for your friend’s cousin's second uncle, but the bottom line is it’s not a long-term solution.
• Sprays: Spritzing your dick works by desensitizing your penis, however it’s not a very sexy solution and is only a one off treatment.
• Creams: Numbing those sexy feels with a cream works for some, but there is a big downside: transfer to your partner. Trust us, your lover won’t be impressed if you’re good to go and they cant feel a thing.
• Prolong: Prolong is a combination of a patented, hand-held device and a six-week training program. It’s the only FDA cleared program for climax control and has zero side effects. Plus, it’s something you can do in your own time, without the involvement of doctors, prescriptions or bathroom cabinets full of creams.

If you’re known for being a bit of a speed demon, don’t dwell on the problem, focus on getting your control back. Tackling PE might seem like climbing Everest now, but you’ve got to start somewhere. And before you know it, you’ll be at the peak, hopefully with your partner right alongside you. Check out more about Prolong and our easy to follow training guide.