Basic Knowledge, Criteria, Self-checks, Causes, and Countermeasures
Many people have concerns about ejaculating too early, or worry that their partner might feel dissatisfied. In this article, we will discuss the sensitive subject of premature ejaculation (PE).
Contents
What is Premature Ejaculation?
Premature Ejaculation - Definition and Criteria
Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT)
How Common is Premature Ejaculation?
Issues With Premature Ejaculation
A Partner's Viewpoint on Premature Ejaculation
Causes of Premature Ejaculation
Premature Ejaculation Improvement, Countermeasure
Method 1: Premature Ejaculation Training
Method 2: Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles
Method 3: Dapoxetine (also known as Priligy), A Premature Ejaculation Treatment Drug
Method 4: Erectile Dysfunction Medicine
Topical Anesthetic Sprays or Ointments
Wearing Thick Condoms
Counseling
Summary: Dealing with Premature Ejaculation for a Better Sex Life
What is Premature Ejaculation?
Most people are aware that premature ejaculation means ejaculating earlier than desired, but most are not aware of the specific criteria for premature ejaculation. So let's take a look at the symptoms to look out for.
Premature Ejaculation - Definition and Criteria
According to the International Society for Sexual Function, "premature ejaculation" is defined as a condition in which all of the following apply [1]:
Definition of Premature Ejaculation
- Almost always ejaculates within 1 minute of vaginal penetration or before insertion
- Even with different sexual partners, it is difficult to delay ejaculation
- Feeling stress or distress due to early ejaculation
Regarding definition 3, no matter how fast you ejaculate, if it does not cause you distress, you could actually say that you do not have premature ejaculation. Conversely, even if definitions 1 and 2 do not apply to you, but if you are stressed by how quickly you ejaculate, then you may consider looking into some form of treatment.
Do you think your insertion time is normal? If you think so, check out this link.: What is the Ideal Penetration Time for Sex?
Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT)
Besides the definition given for premature ejaculation, another useful tool is the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), a five-question survey that can also help check for PE.
"(PEDT Q1) How difficult is it for you to delay ejaculation during vaginal penetration?
Not difficult at all - 0 points
Somewhat difficult - 1 point
Difficult - 2 points
Very difficult - 3 points
Extremely difficult / nearly impossible - 4 points"
"(PEDT Q2) How often do you ejaculate before you want to during vaginal penetration?
Almost never or never - 0 points
About one in four times - 1 point
About half of the time - 2 points
About three in four times - 3 points
Almost always or always - 4 points"
"(PEDT Q3) How often do you ejaculate from just slight stimulation during vaginal penetration?
Almost never or never - 0 points
About one in four times - 1 point
About half of the time - 2 points
About three in four times - 3 points
Almost always or always - 4 points"
"(PEDT Q4) Do you feel stress because you ejaculate before you want to?
No - 0 points
A little - 1 point
Yes - 2 points
Yes, very much - 3 points
Yes, extremely - 4 points"
"(PEDT Q5) Are you worried that your partner may not be sexually satisfied because you ejaculate too quickly?
No - 0 points
A little - 1 point
Yes - 2 points
Yes, very much - 3 points
Yes, extremely - 4 points"
"Total score/severity of premature ejaculation
- 8 points or less: No discernible PE
- 9 or 10 points: Mild PE
- 11 to 15 points: PE
- 16 or more points: Severe PE"
The abovementioned self-check can also be performed at the following link. Do it on a regular basis to keep an eye on your condition.: Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT)
How Common is Premature Ejaculation?
"According to a TENGA Healthcare survey (2018), 40.1% of Japanese men between their 20s to 70s self-diagnosed themselves as having ""premature ejaculation"". Out of these respondents, 70.2% were ""worried"" or ""concerned"" about their premature ejaculation.
Globally, the number of men sufferring from PE is thought to be approximately 30% of the population."
Ironically, many of these men do not meet all the criteria in regards to the definition of premature ejaculation (such as ejaculation within one minute of vaginal insertion). However, many men are definitely concerned about how quickly they ejaculate.
Issues With Premature Ejaculation
Some of the most common issues with premature ejaculation include:
"Decrease in satisfaction with sex (unable to enjoy it for long enough, not enough time to try different positions, etc.)
Decrease in partner's satisfaction with sex
Decrease in confidence in sex
Increase in anxiety (worried their partner may not be satisfied)
As a result of these factors, men become reluctant to have sex and form relationships, and some relationships that already exist often become sexless relationships. "
A Partner's Viewpoint on Premature Ejaculation
How partners feel about "premature ejaculation" varies from person to person. Some expressed opinions favoring premature ejaculation, saying, "I don't feel comfortable with penetration, so a fast ejaculation is better for me," or "I'd rather have a partner with premature ejaculation than with delayed ejaculation." On the other hand, some opinions were quite the opposite, with premature ejaculation sometimes being attributed as a contributing factor to relationship breakups.
In general it can be said that it is impossible to know if one's partner is satisfied with the length of penetration or sex without asking them. The thought that "even if I ask, they may not give me an honest answer" is understandable. However, the best way to have an enriching sex life is for both partners to at least try to honestly exchange their opinions and feelings with each other.
Causes of Premature Ejaculation
There are two main causes of premature ejaculation: being overly 'excited' and a lack of strength/control of the pelvic floor muscles. By addressing both, premature ejaculation can be improved and counteracted in many cases.
For more information, see the following article: 4 Premature Ejaculation Improvement, Countermeasure, and Prevention Methods
Premature Ejaculation Improvement and Countermeasures
There are many ways to combat premature ejaculation. We go into more detail in separate articles, but here is a brief introduction.
Method 1: Premature Ejaculation Training
This method is to learn how to control ejaculation during masturbation using the pelvic floor muscles. It can be done with your hands only, but is more effective with a special training device [2].
Reference
"The Comprehensive Guide to Premature Ejaculation Training:
The essentials for men suffering from premature ejaculation"
Method 2: Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles
Training the pelvic floor muscles will improve ejaculation control. It is more effective when done simultaneously with premature ejaculation training.
Reference
How to Train Your Pelvic Floor Muscles
Improving Premature Ejaculation by Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles
Method 3: Dapoxetine (also known as Priligy), A Premature Ejaculation Treatment Drug
Dapoxetine is a more globally recognized drug for the treatment of premature ejaculation. Consult with your doctor to see if it is available in your country.
Reference
Method 3: Dapoxetine (also known as Priligy), A Premature Ejaculation Treatment Drug
Method 4: Erectile Dysfunction Medicine
Erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra have also been reported to improve premature ejaculation[3]. Be sure to consult a physician to see if it is available in your country as well as to learn prescribed usage and side effects.
Reference
Do Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Help with Premature Ejaculation?
Topical Anesthetic Sprays or Ointments
This method uses a spray or ointment containing an anesthetic to numb the penis. The use of anesthetics in the prevention of premature ejaculation has not been approved in some areas, so consult a medical specialist in your country before use.
Wearing Thick Condoms
This method uses a thick condom to reduce stimulation to the penis.
Counseling
Talking to someone with specialized knowledge can help you realize the underlying causes. This method is also made easier as online counseling is also available.
Summary: Dealing with Premature Ejaculation for a Better Sex Life
In this article, we have discussed the issue of premature ejaculation. However, this has been a general discussion, as each person (and their partners) may have their own individual problems they are dealing with. If you are concerned about it, carefully review your own situation and your needs concerning sex. Hopefully you may be able to take appropriate action to deal with premature ejaculation using some of the information we have provided here.
Reference/Sources
"[1]McMahon, Chris G., et al. ""An evidence‐based definition of lifelong premature ejaculation: report of the International Society for Sexual Medicine Ad Hoc Committee for the Definition of Premature Ejaculation."" BJU international 102.3 (2008): 338-350.
[2]Rodríguez, Jesús E., Juan C. Marzo, and José A. Piqueras. ""Efficacy of Sphincter Control Training (SCT) in the treatment of premature ejaculation, a new cognitive behavioral approach: A parallel-group randomized, controlled trial."" PloS one 14.2 (2019): e0212274.
[3]Aversa, Antonio, et al. ""Effects of vardenafil administration on intravaginal ejaculatory latency time in men with lifelong premature ejaculation."" International Journal of Impotence Research 21.4 (2009): 221-227."