Premature ejaculation is a common sexual disorder that affects many men worldwide. It is characterized by the inability to delay ejaculation, causing dissatisfaction and frustration during sexual intercourse. There are two types of Premature ejaculation – one is Lifelong and the other is Acquired. While some men experience lifelong premature ejaculation, i.e. premature ejaculation has been there since their first sexual intercourse, on the other hand, others acquire the condition later in life, which is known as Acquired Premature Ejaculation. In this article, we will focus on Acquired Premature Ejaculation disorder, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Causes Of Acquired Premature Ejaculation

Acquired premature ejaculation can be caused by a variety of physical and psychological factors.

1. Physical Causes:

• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause acquired premature ejaculation, including diabetes, hypertension, and urinary tract infections. These conditions affect the body’s ability to regulate blood flow, leading to changes in sexual function.
• Prostate problems: Conditions such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause changes in ejaculation, including premature ejaculation.
• Medication side effects: Certain medications can affect sexual function and lead to premature ejaculation. These include antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and some medications used to treat prostate problems.

2. Psychological Causes:

• Anxiety: Anxiety can cause premature ejaculation by leading to heightened arousal and an inability to control ejaculation.
• Stress: Stress can lead to physical tension in the body, which can affect sexual function and lead to premature ejaculation.
• Depression: Depression can cause changes in libido and sexual function, leading to premature ejaculation.
• Relationship issues: Problems in a relationship, such as communication issues or lack of intimacy, can lead to anxiety and stress, which can affect sexual function.

In some cases, a combination of physical and psychological factors may contribute to acquired premature ejaculation. For example, a man with diabetes may experience changes in sexual function due to the condition itself, but may also experience anxiety or stress related to the condition that exacerbates premature ejaculation.

Symptoms Of Acquired Premature Ejaculation

The symptoms of acquired premature ejaculation are similar to those of lifelong premature ejaculation, and the main symptom is the inability to delay ejaculation, leading to a shorter duration of sexual intercourse than desired.

The International Society of Sexual Medicine defines premature ejaculation as intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) of less than two minutes. This means that from the moment of vaginal penetration to ejaculation, the duration of sexual intercourse is less than two minutes. In cases of acquired premature ejaculation, a man may have previously been able to delay ejaculation for longer periods but now finds himself unable to do so.

Other symptoms of acquired premature ejaculation may include feelings of frustration, anxiety, and embarrassment related to sexual performance. A man may avoid sexual activity or feel a lack of confidence in his ability to satisfy his partner. These feelings can further exacerbate the condition and lead to a negative cycle of performance anxiety and premature ejaculation.

It’s important to note that occasional incidents of premature ejaculation are not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if premature ejaculation is a persistent problem and is causing distress or difficulties in sexual relationships, it may be a sign of acquired premature ejaculation. In such cases, it’s important to seek medical advice and treatment to address the underlying causes of the condition and improve sexual function and satisfaction.

Treatment Of Acquired Premature Ejaculation

The first step in treating acquired premature ejaculation disorder is to identify and treat the underlying cause. If the cause is physical, such as an infection in the prostate gland, appropriate treatment such as Shockwave therapy may be recommended. However, in most cases, the underlying cause is psychological in nature. Common psychological factors that contribute to acquired premature ejaculation disorder include anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship issues.

One effective treatment for psychological causes of acquired premature ejaculation disorder is cognitive-behavioural therapy. This type of therapy aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviours that may be contributing to premature ejaculation. Through cognitive-behavioural therapy, individuals can learn coping strategies and techniques to manage anxiety and stress during sexual activity.

Counselling can also be an effective treatment for acquired premature ejaculation disorder, particularly when relationship issues are contributing to the condition. A trained therapist can help individuals to identify and address relationship issues that may be causing stress or anxiety during sexual activity. Through counselling, individuals can develop effective communication skills and learn how to address sexual concerns healthily and productively.

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation can also be effective in managing acquired premature ejaculation disorder. These techniques help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm and relaxation during sexual activity. By reducing feelings of anxiety and stress, individuals may be able to delay ejaculation and improve their overall sexual satisfaction.

In addition to therapy and relaxation techniques, medication can also be an effective treatment for acquired premature ejaculation disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to delay ejaculation. SSRIs are antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain, which helps to delay ejaculation. However, it is important to note that these medications have side effects and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

The “squeeze technique” is another method that can help to prolong ejaculation and enhance sexual pleasure. When a male experiences the urge to ejaculate during sexual activity, the partner squeezes the head of the penis until the urge passes. This method is used repeatedly throughout the sexual act to lengthen the ejaculate.

Conclusion

Acquired premature ejaculation disorder is a treatable condition that affects many men. Identifying the underlying cause and treating it is the key to successful treatment. While medication and other techniques can help, it is important to seek the guidance of a healthcare provider before starting any treatment. With proper treatment, men with acquired premature ejaculation disorder can enjoy a fulfilling sex life and improve their overall quality of life.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.