Understanding Delayed Ejaculation
Delayed Ejaculation is a common type of sexual dysfunction that many men experience. Sexual dysfunction refers to any type of problem that prevents a couple from fully enjoying sexual activity.
Infrequent episodes of Delayed Ejaculation usually aren’t anything to be concerned about. However, if Delayed Ejaculation episodes occur frequently or cause problems in your relationship, it is time to see a urologist who specializes in Men’s Sexual Health issues. There are many effective treatment options available.
What is Delayed Ejaculation?
Ejaculation is the release of semen from the penis during an orgasm. When ejaculation occurs more slowly than you or your partner would like, it is referred to as Delayed Ejaculation (DE).
What are the Symptoms of Delayed Ejaculation?
The main symptom of Delayed Ejaculation is the regular inability to ejaculate for more than a minute after penetration during intercourse.
What Causes Delayed Ejaculation?
Often, psychological or emotional factors contribute to Delayed Ejaculation. For example, performace anxiety, stress, depression, and fatigue can all be contributing factors.
Certain medications and other medical conditions can also play a major role in Delayed Ejaculation. Many behavioral medications and neurological conditions may cause delayed ejaculation. Erectile Dysfunction and low testosterone levels are also common in this condition.
How is Delayed Ejaculation Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing symptoms of Delayed Ejaculation, the first step to treating Delayed Ejaculation is to speak with a urologist who specializes in Men’s Sexual Health to review your medical history, medications, and symptoms. Some of the information you will want to discuss with your urologist includes your sexual activity history, how long Delayed Ejaculation has been an issue, how often you experience Delayed Ejaculation, the length of time it takes before you ejaculate, and whether you experience “normal” ejaculation during intercourse.
Diagnosis
A physical exam and medical history might be all that are needed to diagnose and recommend treatment for Delayed Ejaculation. However, if delayed ejaculation appears to be caused by an underlying problem that might need treatment, you might need further testing.
Tests for underlying problems can include:
Physical Exam
This might include careful examination of your penis and testicles. The doctor will use light touch to make sure you have normal sensation in your genitals.
Blood Tests
Checking for signs of low thyroid hormone, diabetes, and low testosterone level and other health problems is an important step to identify underlying causes
Urine Tests (Urinalysis).
Urine tests are used to look for signs of diabetes, infection and other underlying health conditions.
How is Delayed Ejaculation Treated?
Delayed ejaculation treatment depends on the underlying cause, but it might include taking a medication or making changes to medications you currently take, undergoing psychological counseling, or addressing alcohol or illegal drug use.
Medication
If you’re taking medication that might be causing delayed ejaculation, reducing the dose of a medication or switching medications might fix the problem. Common medications which may delay ejaculation are Sertraline (Zoloft) and Paroxetine (Paxil).
Sometimes, adding a medication might help. There aren’t any drugs that have been specifically approved for the treatment of delayed ejaculation. Medications used to treat delayed ejaculation are primarily used to treat other conditions.
Medications sometimes used to treat delayed ejaculation include:
- Cabergoline
- Oxytocin
Psychological Counseling
- Counseling can sometimes be helpful by addressing underlying mental health issues that could be leading to Delayed Ejaculation. Therapy can also be helpful to manage psychological issues that can arise from your inability to ejaculate.
- Often, counseling is most helpful when it involves a partner. Working together with a therapist as a couple can also help address concerns you both might have about Delayed Ejaculation and the possible effect the condition might have on your relationship.
At times, Sexual Therapy can be an effective way to manage Delayed Ejaculation.
Dr. Jeffrey Steinberg is an expert in Male Sexual Health issues, specializing in Erectile Dysfunction. If you are suffering from an ejaculatory disorder, contact Urology Specialists of Milford to schedule an appointment with Dr. Steinberg in our Milford, MA office.
