Delayed ejaculation

Overview

When a man has prolonged sexual stimulation, it takes longer for him to reach sexual climax and release semen from the penis (ejaculate). This condition is known as delayed ejaculation, sometimes known as impaired ejaculation. Some guys who experience delayed ejaculation are completely unable to ejaculate.

The length of time it takes for someone to ejaculate if they have delayed ejaculation may cause them to start finding sexual activity frustrating rather than enjoyable. Delayed ejaculation might be a short–term issue or a persistent issue. Certain chronic medical conditions, operations, and medications are potential reasons of delayed ejaculation. The underlying cause will determine how to treat delayed ejaculation.

It is widely acknowledged that there is no fixed timeframe within which an orgasm should occur. Men may at times encounter delayed ejaculation, which is not inherently problematic. However, when this delay persists or results in distress for either the individual or their partner, it becomes a concern. 

Symptoms

Some people who experience delayed ejaculation can need longer time—up to 30 minutes or more—of sexual stimulation before they experience orgasm and ejaculate. On the other side, some men may not be able to ejaculate at all, a condition called as anejaculation. 

Individuals may experience physical fatigue and discomfort during extended sexual encounters in situations like these. Such circumstances can also affect their partner, who may begin to question their own attractiveness or their ability to induce orgasms.

Many men often encounter difficulties achieving orgasm during sexual activities with partner. For some, the ability to ejaculate is restricted to masturbation alone.

Based on the following symptoms, there are different forms of delayed ejaculation:

• Acquired: Acquired delayed ejaculation appears after a time of normal sexual functioning.
• Lifelong: Lifelong delayed ejaculation indicates that the problem has been since the commencement of sexual maturity.
• Generalized: There are no specific sex partners or forms of stimulation that are required for generalized delayed ejaculation.
• Situational: Only under specific conditions does situational delayed ejaculation happen.

The categorization of delayed ejaculation facilitates the process of identifying underlying causes and determining the most appropriate course of action.

When dealing with delayed ejaculation, it is recommended to talk to the healthcare provider. When experiencing delayed ejaculation, whether on an individual basis or as part of a couple, seeking medical advice is advised. It is also important to see a healthcare provider if an individual have any pre–existing medical issues that might be related to delayed ejaculation or if they are taking any medications that might be a factor. Additionally, medical advice should be sought if additional symptoms, whether or not they seem related, are present along with delayed ejaculation.

Causes

It is common for a combination of psychological and physical factors, including as medications, particular chronic health conditions, and surgical procedures that cause delayed ejaculation. The condition can also be brought on by substance abuse or mental health problems like depression, anxiety, or stress.

• These are several physical causes of delayed ejaculation: 
  • Neurological conditions such diabetic neuropathy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord nerve injury, or surgery. 
  • Birth defects affecting the male reproductive system.
  • Damage to the pelvic nerves responsible for regulating orgasm.
  • Urinary tract infection.
  • Prostate surgical procedure such as transurethral resection of the prostate or prostate removal.
  • Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone level) or hypogonadism (low testosterone level).
  • Retrograde ejaculation is a medical condition where instead of exiting through the penis, semen is redirected backward into the bladder.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption.

• These are several psychological causes of delayed ejaculation: 
  • Anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
  • Problems with relationship brought on by stress, poor communication or other concerns.
  • Anxiety about performance.
  • Feeling uncomfortable with partner. 
  • Fears or anxieties related to various aspects, such as concerns about illness, pregnancy, or causing discomfort to one’s partner.
  • Differences between sexual fantasies and their actual experiences having sex with a partner.
  • Poor body image
  • Cultural or religious restrictions
• These are several medications that can cause delayed ejaculation such as anti–depressant, high blood pressure, diuretics, anti–psychotic, and anti–seizure medications.

Healthcare providers might consider that the issue may not solely stem from physical factors when an individual can achieve orgasm without difficulty during masturbation but encounters challenges during intimate moments with a partner. It’s also possible that you have a particular method or approach that you employ, which your partner may find challenging to replicate, or you might feel hesitant to request your partner to replicate it. Such situations can potentially lead to anxiety, exacerbating the problem of delayed ejaculation.

Risk factors

Delayed ejaculation can happen to anyone. Some people are affected for the rest of their lives. Delayed ejaculation is more likely due to the several factors, including:

• Age: Ejaculation will take time as the men grow older.
• Psychological conditions: Depression or anxiety.
• Medical conditions: Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injury.
• Surgery: History of bladder or prostate surgery.
• Medications: Taking medications such as antidepressants, high blood pressure medications or diuretics.
• Relationship problems: Poor communication with the partner.
• Alcohol abuse: It is common especially for those who are a long–term excessive drinker.