Premature Ejaculation in Older Men: Causes and Treatment Options 

by Men's Health Clinic

There’s a common misconception that premature ejaculation (a.k.a. PE) only happens in younger men. This misbelief is rooted in the idea that younger men have less sexual experience compared to older men; hence, they may tend to get “too excited” and ejaculate more rapidly than usual. But that’s a myth that needs debunking! Even older men experience premature ejaculation. In fact, it can be more prevalent among older men.

This article exposes the truths about premature ejaculation in older men. We will also explore its causes and what older men can do to avoid experiencing premature ejaculation. 

Statistics on PE in older men

Premature ejaculation is a common occurrence. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Premature Ejaculation or PE happens to 30% to 40% of men. A study published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) showed that those who complained about experiencing PE were between the ages of 27 and 45.

Is premature ejaculation common in older men? Yes, the cases of PE might be higher among older men because premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction (ED) can happen at the same time. Data from the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Continuing Education showed that erectile dysfunction affects around 40% of men at the age of 40 and 70% of men ages 70 and above. The study found that there is a strong interplay between PE and ED. Around one-third of ED patients also experience PE. Treating one condition effectively usually involves addressing the other due to their interconnected nature. 

Common Causes of PE in Older Men

While premature ejaculation in older and younger men is common, some causes of PE may be ruled out in older men. For example, as mentioned, sexual inexperience is a common cause of PE in younger men. This cause may be ruled out in the cases of older men who have more sexual experience.  

So, what causes premature ejaculation in older men?

• Poor body image – As a man gets older, it gets harder to maintain a fit body. This can result in a poor body image. A survey published by the Mental Health Organization of the United Kingdom showed that one in five adults felt ashamed of their body, while 34% felt down or low because of how their bodies looked. Sadly, 19% of the respondents felt disgusted by their body images. 
• Hormonal issues – Low levels of sex hormones, including testosterone, are another cause of premature ejaculation. Unfortunately, testosterone levels get lower as a man ages. According to a paper published by the National Institutes of Health, testosterone production tends to decrease by 1-2% each year once a man hits the age of 50.  
• Erectile dysfunction – Older men who experience erectile dysfunction can experience premature ejaculation. The uncertainty of whether they can sustain their erection throughout the duration of sexual intercourse can lead them to prematurely ejaculate.  
• Prostate problems – A swollen or infected prostate can lead to premature ejaculation. According to a study published by the NLM, out of 153 men experiencing premature ejaculation, 64% have swollen prostates, while 52% have chronic bacterial prostatitis. What does this have to do with older men? When men hit the age of 40, a small enlargement of the prostate will start showing. According to the Penn Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, up to 90% of men over the age of 80 have enlarged prostates.  
• Anxiety – Performance anxiety is another culprit when it comes to premature ejaculation. As men get older, they begin to question their capabilities when it comes to sexual activities. Do they still have the energy to last in bed? Are they still capable of giving their partners orgasms? There is also the worry of suddenly experiencing erectile dysfunction and getting humiliated.  

Treatment options of PE in older men  

Although premature ejaculation is common, there is no reason to ignore it or live with it. There are treatment options to help you overcome this issue. Some treatment regimens are geared towards older men because the cause of their PE might be age-related.  

Here are some tips on how to stop premature ejaculation in older men:  

• Benzocaine Wipes – This option is the simplest treatment for PE. It is a towelette with the topical local anaesthetic Benzocaine. Benzocaine is usually used to relieve pain and itching from minor burns, scratches, and insect bites. Because of its numbing effects, it can help delay ejaculation (especially for men with sensitive glans).  
• SSRIs – SSRIs are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Their primary use is for the treatment of mood disorders. However, an unintended side effect is that it can delay ejaculation. Before using SSRIs as an off-label treatment for premature ejaculation, be sure to consult your doctor to avoid adverse effects.  
• Customised treatments – Depending on the cause of your PE, customised treatments might be your best options as they are based on your health profile. For example, suppose you are experiencing both premature ejaculation and another condition (say, erectile dysfunction), a custom treatment might work better because it will target two conditions that might be causing one another. Ask a licensed doctor for guidance about custom treatments to ensure that using several treatments at the same time is safe for you.  
• Physical techniques – A physical technique is your best treatment option if you don’t want to take medication. The most popular one is the “start-stop” technique. During sexual intercourse, stop any sexual action if you feel an ejaculation coming. This will help lower your excitement and delay ejaculation. If you feel that you are no longer close to ejaculation, you can resume sexual activity. Another option is the “pause-squeeze” technique. When you feel that you are about to ejaculate, pause all sexual activities. You or your partner can then squeeze the end of your penis to prevent ejaculation. Concentrate the squeeze on the part of the penis where the head meets the shaft.  

Conclusion  

Being an adult should never be a hindrance to sexual satisfaction! While premature ejaculation is normal to men, especially to those of advanced age, it should never be a permanent condition. There are many treatment options for older men, like custom medication and physical techniques. 

Find a treatment option that works best for you and say goodbye to premature ejaculation, no matter how old you are. Want to get rid of PE soon? Book an appointment with the Men’s Health Clinic (MHC) if you’re looking for personalised treatments.