Premature ejaculation (PE) is a prevalent concern that affects approximately one in three men at some point in their lives. Defined as the act of ejaculating too soon, typically within one to two minutes of sexual intercourse, PE can be an occasional issue or a consistent challenge for some. This guide offers insights into the treatments available, how they function, potential side effects, and their interactions with other medications.
• Definition: PE occurs when a man ejaculates sooner during sexual intercourse than he or his partner would prefer, typically within one to two minutes.
• Types:
• Primary PE: Always been a concern since the onset of an individual’s sexual activity.
• Secondary PE: Develops later in life, having not been a previous concern.
• Prevalence: PE affects one in three men, but it’s essential to differentiate between occasional occurrences and consistent challenges. On average, men last about 5.5 minutes during intercourse, but the satisfactory duration is subjective and should be a mutual understanding between partners.
PE can be attributed to both physical and psychological factors:
• Physical Causes:
• Hormonal imbalances
• Irregular serotonin levels
• Prostate or thyroid issues
• Consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs
• Psychological Causes:
• Anxiety, especially with a new partner
• Depression
• Stress
• Past negative sexual experiences
• Priligy (Dapoxetine):
• Description: A tablet containing an SSRI, which increases serotonin in the body, delaying the ejaculatory reflex.
• Usage: Consumed about an hour before intercourse.
• Side Effects: May include headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
• Interactions: Not recommended with MAOIs, some SSRIs or SNRIs, certain antibiotics, antifungals, epilepsy medications, and more. Alcohol and grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking Priligy.
• EMLA Cream:
• Description: A numbing cream applied to the penis.
• Usage: Applied 15-30 minutes before intercourse, focusing on the underside of the penis’s shaft near its tip. Any excess should be wiped off.
• Side Effects: Possible swelling, skin redness, burning or itching upon application.
• Interactions: Not recommended with some local anaesthetics, certain antibiotics, and medications treating irregular heartbeats.
Note: The cream may weaken latex condoms, hence, alternative condom types like polyurethane might be more suitable.
• Online Platforms:Trusted and reputable online platforms like MedCare Health Clinic offer consultations and can prescribe appropriate treatments.
• Over-the-counter: PE treatments are not available without prescription due to possible interactions and suitability concerns.
PE can be distressing, but effective treatments are available. If you believe stress or psychological issues contribute to your PE, consulting a therapist or counsellor may be beneficial. Always ensure you disclose all medications and health conditions to your prescribing doctor to guarantee the best and safest treatment pathway.