What does Premature Ejaculation mean and its Causes?

Premature ejaculation refers to a man reaching orgasm and ejaculating early before he or his partner desires it.

So, premature ejaculation is the time it takes for a man to reach ejaculation after the onset of sexual arousal. The duration of ejaculation can vary from person to person and can be influenced by multiple factors. On average, a man can reach ejaculation within approximately 5-7 minutes of sexual activity.

Approximately 30% to 40% of men experience premature ejaculation at some point in their lives, making it the most common type of impotence in men.

What is the difference between erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Premature ejaculation, on the other hand, means achieving an erection, reaching sexual arousal, and ejaculating early before desired.
However, erectile dysfunction can lead to the development of premature ejaculation, as men with erectile dysfunction often acquire premature ejaculation to be able to ejaculate before losing their erection.

What causes premature ejaculation?

There are several possible causes of premature ejaculation. These causes can be psychological or physiological, and multiple factors may contribute to this issue. Here are some potential reasons:

Psychological causes:
Psychological causes include stress related to being with a new partner or anxiety about resuming sexual activity after a long period of abstinence.

Physiological causes:
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hormonal level changes can affect the functions of the reproductive system and thus lead to premature ejaculation.
• Low serotonin or dopamine levels, which are brain chemicals involved in sexual desire and arousal.
• Some individuals may be more sensitive to sexual stimulation, leading to premature ejaculation.
• Prostatitis (prostate inflammation) can cause ejaculation problems, including premature ejaculation.
• Certain anatomical abnormalities in the reproductive system can affect its function and cause premature ejaculation.

If you suffer from frequent premature ejaculation, or if premature ejaculation causes you anxiety or depression and affects your marital relationship, make an appointment to consult Professor Dr. Adham Zaazaa, Consultant in Andrology and ICSI and Professor of Andrology and Fertility Surgery at Cairo University.