Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation (PE; also called early ejaculation, rapid ejaculation or ejaculation praecox) is a common male sexual problem where the man is unable to last as long during sexual intercourse as he or his partner would like. While PE directly impacts the man, it can also impact heavily on their partner's sexual life and on the general quality of life of couple18
PE was recently defined by experts as being made up of three main aspects2-4:
What causes PE ?
In men with PE, the mechanism of ejaculation is the same as in men without PE, but it happens more quickly and with a lower feeling of control. Men with PE have likened their lack of control over ejaculation to a sneeze - they can feel that it's going to happen but they can't do anything to stop it. This is because, like a sneeze, ejaculation is a reflex action that is controlled by the brain and nervous system, and once triggered it can't be stopped. Ejaculation can be triggered by mental as well as physical sexual stimulation.
The main differences between PE and ED (Erectile Dysfunction)
Premature ejaculation (PE) |
No problem getting an erection suitable for sexual intercourse |
Penis remains erect until ejaculation |
Ejaculation occurs before the man wishes it, with low feelings of control over ejaculation, causing distress |
Common in men of all ages |
Erectile dysfunction (ED) |
Difficulty in getting an erection suitable for sexual intercourse or in keeping the penis erect until the end of intercourse |
Penis softens before ejaculation or before the end of sexual intercourse |
Man may try to ejaculate quickly before he loses his erection |
More common in older men |