MEN'S HEALTH

  • One of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction and has probably affected every man at some point in his life
  • Uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration, with minimal sexual stimulation before the person wishes
  • May result in an unsatisfactory sexual experience for both partners. This can increase anxiety that could potentially worsen the problem.

  What Causes Premature Ejaculation?

  • Most cases do not have a clear cause
  • May occur with a new partner, only in certain sexual situations, or if it has been a long time since the last ejaculation

1. Know Yourself

  • Be aware of your sexual response and recognize when you are approaching the “point of no return.”
  • Before you get there, lessen the stimulation by slowing down or stopping.
  • Practice this three or four times a week, and in a few months there should be some improvement. This is known as the stop-start method.
  • Another technique similar to stop-start is the “squeeze method.” For this method, the penis is squeezed by a man or his partner before the sensation of inevitable ejaculation to delay ejaculation and, in time, teaches better control.

  2. Use a Condom

  • Some men find the sensation of sex without a condom too intense, causing them to lose control quickly.
  • Using a condom can diminish sensation just enough to make the experience last longer and be more enjoyable (never use more than one condom at the same time).

  3. Masturbate

  • After any period of abstinence, it may be difficult to delay orgasm. Masturbation may help prevent premature ejaculation. Masturbating before a sexual encounter may take away pressure to perform and give better control over an orgasm.

  4. Avoid Drugs & Alcohol

  • Sex is not consensual if under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
  • Drugs and alcohol lessen awareness, making it more difficult to know your body.
  • Prescription drugs should only be used if recommended by a physician.
  • Erectile problems, sometimes called impotence, refers to a man’s consistent inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient to have satisfactory sex.
  • It does not mean a lack of sexual interest or desire.
  • It also is not an occasional difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (which effects all men at some point in their life).
  • Normally, an erection occurs when your imagination or one or more senses are stimulated and you become aroused. Your central nervous system sends nerve impulses that increase blood flow to your penis.
  • Focus on your partner, not your performance
  • Honestly communicate with your partner about problems and concerns
  • Quit smoking
  • Avoid using alcohol and drugs
  • Exercise regularly
  • Keep your cholesterol in check
  • Many men prefer a certain type of condom to no condom at all
  • Using a condom can help reduce the fear of STIs and pregnancy
  • If there is concern about loss of sensation, one way to increase the sensation is to add a small drop of water-based lubricant to the inside tip of a condom before putting it on
  • If the feel of a condom is too strange to make a sexual encounter pleasurable, practice masturbation with a condom in order to get accustomed to the feeling

  Condom Tips:

  • One of the most common reasons condoms break is because there is not enough lubrication. The amount on a “lubricated” condom may not be enough; adding extra water-based lubricant may be important.
  • Check to make sure the condom is not “inside out” before putting it on. If you put it on incorrectly, don’t turn it right side out and put it on again. Pre-ejaculatory fluid can cause pregnancy and transmission of STIs.
  • If you’re concerned that putting on a condom ruins the experience, try not to stop to put it on. Putting on a condom takes less than 30 seconds, so it shouldn’t slow you down too much. Having your partner put on the condom can also make it an enjoyable part of the sexual experience.

  Where to Find Condoms:

  • Free condoms are available in the Health Promotion Department at the University Health Center (1st floor).
  • University Health Center pharmacy sells condoms at a reduced price.
  • Condoms are available for purchase at any drug, grocery or convenience store.
  • Condoms are available for discreet purchase online and can be mailed directly to you.

References:
www.webmd.com, 2006
Total Health For Men, 1995
The Guide to Getting It On, 2nd ed., 1999