Sexual dysfunctions like delayed ejaculation can be a major source of frustration and disappointment in a relationship. If you’re experiencing delayed ejaculation, know that you’re not alone. In fact, it’s a common condition that affects many people. In this blog, we’ll discuss the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for delayed ejaculation, so you can start feeling satisfied and fulfilled in your sex life.
What is Delayed Ejaculation?
Delayed ejaculation is a condition where it takes a man longer than usual to achieve orgasm and ejaculate. The clinical definition involves a significant delay or reduction in frequency of ejaculation occurring 75 to 100 percent of the time in the last six months, causing distress or bother to the individual.
The causes of delayed ejaculation can be psychological, physiological, or a combination of both. Psychological factors include fears, strong religious convictions, guilt, relationship conflicts, performance anxiety, and lack of stimulation or arousal. On the other hand, physiological causes include medical conditions like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury, low testosterone, abnormal hormone levels like prolactin and thyroid, certain congenital abnormalities, and aging.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of delayed ejaculation involves understanding when the issue began, the situational occurrence of the issue, associated sexual dysfunctions, and identifying psychological or physiological causes. A thorough physical exam may be necessary to rule out any underlying medical conditions. In some cases, further examination may be ordered, such as urine checks for firmness after orgasm or ultrasounds for abnormal structures.
Examination Process for Retrograde Ejaculation
An examination of retrograde ejaculation includes assessing secondary sex characteristics, nervous response to touch, and reflexes. The medical history, medication, and surgery information of the patient are also relevant to the examination process of retrograde ejaculation.
Treatment
The treatment options for delayed ejaculation depend on the cause. If it’s psychological, psychologists with expertise in sexual medicine can offer cognitive behavioral training, masturbation retraining, fantasy adjustment, psychotherapy, focus exercises, touch and intimacy exercises, and mindfulness training. Mindfulness training can help reduce anxiety associated with sex. Couples counseling can be helpful for delayed ejaculation.
Medical treatments for delayed ejaculation work with hormones like dopamine, which are linked to orgasm, and prolactin, which can suppress orgasm. Testosterone supplementation may help in some men with low testosterone and delayed ejaculation, but not always. Off-label treatments are also available, which can be discussed with an expert in sexual medicine.
Experimenting with different types of stimulation can lead to different sensations that can cause ejaculation and orgasm. Ejaculation is a reflex that occurs once signals are sent to the spinal cord and brain, so stimulation can influence these signals and lead to earlier ejaculation. Talk to a healthcare provider or sex therapist about various techniques you can try.
Conclusion
Delayed ejaculation can be a frustrating experience for both you and your partner. However, there are numerous treatment options available. The diagnosis depends on the situational occurrence and the potential reasons for delayed ejaculation. Once you identify the cause, there are effective treatments available for enhancing the experience. With counseling, mindful meditation, and stimulus manipulation, the situation may improve significantly. Remember to be open and honest with your partner, and don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider or sex therapist about the issue. Take charge of your sexual health and start having fulfilling sex again!
