We’ve all heard of men having trouble lasting in bed, but have you heard that some men have trouble finishing? While some men jump the gun too soon, or what we call premature ejaculation, there is also what we call delayed ejaculation. What is delayed ejaculation, and what causes it? Is there a way to treat ejaculation? Read on, and we will tell you everything you need to know about this male sexual health dysfunction.
What is delayed ejaculation?
Delayed ejaculation is a type of male sexual health dysfunction. When a man has delayed ejaculation, he experiences difficulty ejaculating during sexual intercourse. Some take a long time to reach orgasm. Others are completely unable to finish at all. Delayed ejaculation is different from erectile dysfunction because a man with delayed ejaculation has no problem achieving erections; he just can’t ejaculate. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, delayed ejaculation affects between 1 to 4% of men around the world. Although delayed ejaculation is not as prevalent as other male sexual dysfunctions, it is still a health issue that requires medical attention.
What are the symptoms of delayed ejaculation?
How do you know that you have delayed ejaculation? Here are some of the most common symptoms you need to look out for:
- It takes a long time to ejaculate. When it takes you at least 30 minutes to ejaculate during sexual intercourse, you might have delayed ejaculation. This is different from when you want to prolong sexual intercourse before ejaculating. With delayed ejaculation, you are unable to ejaculate even when you are ready.
- Anejaculation. Anejaculation is a condition in which a man fails to ejaculate. With anejaculation, you’re not just unable to ejaculate when you want to, you can’t ejaculate at all.
- Selective ejaculation. This is a condition wherein you are only able to ejaculate with a specific type of stimulation. For example, some can only ejaculate while watching porn, but cannot ejaculate during actual sexual interaction.
What causes delayed ejaculation?
What causes this male sexual dysfunction? The causes of delayed ejaculation can be physical or psychological in nature. Let’s dive deeper into these common delayed ejaculation causes.
Physical
- Chronic health conditions. Certain health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes, can result in delayed ejaculation.
- Nerve damage. Damages from spinal cord injuries and surgeries in the pelvic area are most likely to result in delayed ejaculation. Nerve damage causes delayed ejaculation because it disrupts the signal required for a successful ejaculation.
- Hormone imbalance. Low testosterone also known as hypogonadism, can cause delayed ejaculation because testosterone is responsible for regulating sexual drive and ejaculation. High prolactin levels also affect ejaculation because prolactin suppresses testosterone production.
- Medications. Several types of antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti-mania, beta blockers, and diuretics can cause delayed ejaculation as a side effect.
- Alcoholism. Alcohol acts as a type of depressant that affects the central nervous system. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol blocks the nerve signals in the brain required to achieve ejaculation.
Psychological
- Stress, anxiety, or depression. Psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to delayed ejaculation because these conditions cause the body to release adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can inhibit sexual arousal. Unfortunately, stress and anxiety might trigger a vicious cycle. The inability to ejaculate in time can make a man anxious. The more anxious a person is, the more difficult it will be to ejaculate when needed.
- Relationship problems. Certain problems, such as lack of communication or sexual incompatibility, can contribute to delayed ejaculation.
- Performance anxiety. Men who always worry about how well they are performing in bed can experience delayed ejaculation. This is because they become too concerned about how “good” they are in bed that they become self-conscious, and this might hinder their body’s natural response to sexual arousal.
- Fears. Certain fears, such as an unplanned pregnancy, can result in delayed ejaculation. On the obverse side, men who are pressured to get their partner pregnant or those who are concerned about infertility can also experience delayed ejaculation.
- Past trauma. A bad experience related to sex can cause delayed ejaculation. Examples are men who experienced sexual abuse or those who were cheated on by their previous partners.
How to treat delayed ejaculation
So, is there a solution to delayed ejaculation? Yes, there is. Here are some of the best ways to treat delayed ejaculation:
- Medication adjustment – If your delayed ejaculation is a side effect of a medication you are taking, change it. Your doctor can prescribe an alternative that won’t negatively impact your sexual functions.
- Psychotherapy – Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help address psychological factors that cause delayed ejaculation. This can be of great help if your delayed ejaculation is because of stress, anxiety, or depression. A therapist can help you find solutions to problems that are plaguing you. A therapist can also help you learn healthier habits and coping strategies to help you address the cause of your anxiety, stress, or depression. If performance anxiety is causing your delayed ejaculation, make sure that you see someone who specialises in sex therapy.
- Address underlying issues – Addressing the cause of delayed ejaculation is the simplest way to treat it. If the cause is an underlying medical condition, consult your doctor. Your doctor can conduct tests to determine what is causing your delayed ejaculation. A treatment plan can then be developed to get you on your way to recovery, whether the cause is hormonal imbalance, nerve issues, or diabetes.
- Honest communication with partner — If the underlying issue is romantic in nature, such as miscommunication or relationship problems, discuss it with your partner. An honest and open line of communication can help you get to the root cause of your problems. You and your partner can then work together to improve your relationship and treat your delayed ejaculation. If needed, consider couples therapy for professional guidance.
- Positive lifestyle changes – Veering away from harmful habits, such as consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, can help you prevent delayed ejaculation. In Australia, alcohol consumption is a significant lifestyle factor associated with male sexual dysfunction, including a higher likelihood of experiencing sexual difficulties such as delayed ejaculation, particularly with heavy or chronic consumption. Limiting the amount of alcoholic drinks that you consume can help improve your sexual functions and prevent delayed ejaculation. It will also be better if you avoid consuming alcoholic drinks if you plan on engaging in sexual intercourse.
Custom treatment for sexual dysfunctions
Custom treatment is possibly the best way to treat delayed ejaculation. A licensed medical professional can develop a custom treatment plan to address not just delayed ejaculation but all the issues causing it. What’s great about a custom treatment for delayed ejaculation is that it will take into consideration not just your sexual health dysfunction but also other medical conditions you might have (physical or psychological). With a combination of medications, therapies, and behavioural and lifestyle changes, you’ll find yourself on the road to recovery in no time.
If you are dealing with male sexual dysfunctions, connect with a trusted telehealth clinic such as MHC Men’s Health Clinic. MHC is a licensed telehealth clinic partnered with registered male sexual dysfunction specialists in Australia, such as licensed doctors, sex therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and nutritionists. We have been at the forefront of male health care since 2012 and has since become the leaders in men’s health globally. We offer advanced treatment plans accessible from the privacy of your home or office. If you’re ready to reclaim your confidence in the bedroom, book a free appointment with us today.
Final Words
Delayed ejaculation can be frustrating, not just for you but for your partner, too. It can cause friction between you and your partner. It can also deal a blow to your confidence. Keep your chin up because delayed ejaculation is not permanent. Contact a licensed doctor today and learn how to fix delayed ejaculation safely and effectively.
