Delayed ejaculation & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is delayed ejaculation?

Delayed ejaculation is an ejaculation disorder in which a man needs longer sexual stimulation to reach sexual climax and remove semen from the penis (ejaculate). Some men who suffer from delayed ejaculation can't even ejaculate at all. Delayed ejaculation can be temporary or a lifelong problem.

It is normal for men to experience delayed ejaculation from time to time. Delayed ejaculation becomes a problem only if the condition is prolonged or causes stress for you or your partner.

How common is delayed ejaculation?

Delayed ejaculation can affect patients at any age. This can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of delayed ejaculation?

Some men who suffer from delayed ejaculation need 30 minutes or more of sexual stimulation to reach orgasm and ejaculate. Or, they may not ejaculate at all (anejaculation).

However, there is no specific time that indicates a diagnosis of delayed ejaculation. Conversely, a man may experience delayed ejaculation if the delay causes him distress or frustration, or he has to stop sexual activity because of fatigue, physical irritation, loss of erection or because of requests from his partner.

Often times, a man can have difficulty reaching orgasm during sex or other sexual activity with a partner. Some men can ejaculate only when masturbating.

Delayed orgasm is divided into the following types based on the symptoms:

• Lifetime vs. obtained. In life-long delayed ejaculation, the problem occurs from the time a man reaches sexual maturity. Acquired delayed ejaculation occurs after a period of normal sexual function.
• General vs. situational. Generalized delayed ejaculation is not limited to specific sex partners or certain types of stimulation. Delayed ejaculation occurs only under certain circumstances.

This category helps in diagnosing the underlying cause, and determining what may be the most effective treatment.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should call your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Delayed ejaculation is a problem for you and your partner.
• You have other known health problems, which may be related to delayed ejaculation, or you are taking medications that can cause this problem.
• You experience other symptoms along with delayed ejaculation, whether they may or may not be related.

Cause

What causes delayed ejaculation?

Delayed ejaculation can be caused by chronic health conditions, surgery and certain medications. Or, it could be caused by substance abuse or a mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety or stress. In many cases, delayed ejaculation is caused by a combination of physical and psychological problems.

The physical causes of delayed ejaculation include:

• certain birth defects that affect the male reproductive system
• injury to the pelvic nerves that control orgasm
• certain infections, such as urinary tract infections
• prostate surgery, such as transurethral surgery on the prostate (TURP) or prostate removal
• neurological diseases, such as diabetic neuropathy, stroke or nerve damage to the spinal cord
• hormone-related conditions, such as low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or low testosterone (hypogonadism)
• retrograde ejaculation, a condition in which semen returns to the bladder instead of leaving the penis

The psychological causes of delayed ejaculation include:

• depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
• relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other issues
• anxiety about performance in the bedroom
• poor body imaging
• cultural or religious taboos
• the difference between the reality of sex with a partner and sexual fantasies

Medicines and other substances that can cause delayed ejaculation include:

• a number of antidepressants
• certain high blood pressure medications
• certain diuretics
• a number of antipsychotic drugs
• a number of anti-seizure drugs
• alcohol - especially drinking too much (alcohol abuse or alcoholism)

For some men, minor physical problems that cause delayed ejaculation can cause anxiety about ejaculating during sex. The resulting anxiety can make delayed ejaculation worse.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for delayed ejaculation?

There are many risk factors for delayed ejaculation, such as:

• old age — as a man ages, it is normal for him to take longer to ejaculate
• psychological conditions, such as depression or anxiety
• medical conditions, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis
• certain medical treatments, such as prostate surgery
• medications, especially certain antidepressants, high blood pressure medications or diuretics
• relationship problems, such as poor communication with your partner
• alcohol abuse, especially if you are a heavy drinker for a long time

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is delayed ejaculation diagnosed?

You may only need a physical exam and medical history to recommend treatment for delayed ejaculation. However, if delayed ejaculation appears to be due to an underlying problem that may need treatment, you may need further tests or see a specialist.

Tests for underlying problems can include:

• Physical examination. This can include a careful examination of the penis and testicles. The doctor will use light touch to ensure that you have normal sensation in your genitals.
• Blood test. Your blood sample will be sent to a lab to be checked for signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels and other health problems.
• Urine test (urinalysis). Urine tests are used to look for signs of diabetes, infections and other underlying health conditions.

What are the treatments for delayed ejaculation?

Treatment of delayed ejaculation depends on the underlying cause, but can include taking drugs or making changes to medications you are currently taking, undergoing psychological counseling, or treating alcohol or drug abuse.

Medicines: If you are taking a drug that might cause delayed ejaculation, reducing the dose of the drug or changing the drug may resolve the problem. Sometimes, adding medication can help. There is no drug that has been specifically approved for the treatment of delayed ejaculation. Medicines used to treat delayed ejaculation are used primarily to treat other conditions.

Medicines sometimes used to treat delayed ejaculation include:

• Amantadine (Parkinson's)
• Buspirone (anti-anxiety)
• Cyproheptadine (allergy)

Psychological counseling (psychotherapy): Psychotherapy can help with underlying mental health problems that are causing delayed ejaculation, such as depression or anxiety. Psychotherapy is also used to treat psychological problems that directly affect your ability to ejaculate.

Counseling can involve you seeing a psychologist or mental health counselor alone, or together with your partner. Depending on the underlying cause, you can most benefit from seeing a sex therapist — a mental health counselor who specializes in talk therapy for sexual problems. The type of counseling that is best for you will depend on your particular problem.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat delayed ejaculation?

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with Delayed Ejaculation:

If it is an ongoing problem, delayed ejaculation can cause mental and emotional stress for a man and his partner. If you experience delayed ejaculation only occasionally, don't assume that you have a permanent problem or suspect that it will happen again in your next sex. Remember, occasional delayed ejaculation due to stress or other temporary factors can be reduced as the underlying cause diminishes.

Also, if you have occasional delayed ejaculation or are persistent, it is important to reassure your sex partner. Your partner may think that your inability to reach climax is a sign of a loss of sexual interest.

Communicate openly and honestly about your condition to your partner. Treatment is often successful if the partners work together as a team. In fact, you may want to see a counselor with your partner. This can help you deal with any concerns about delayed ejaculation the two of you might have.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.