Premature ejaculation occurs when a man ejaculates sooner during sexual intercourse than they or their partner would like. As long as it happens infrequently, it’s not cause for concern. However, if you regularly ejaculate sooner than you and your partner wish – such as before intercourse begins or shortly afterward it can be considered premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation is a common sexual complaint. Estimates vary, but as many as 1 out of 3 men may be affected by this problem at some time.

Both psychological and biological factors can play a role in premature ejaculation. Although many men feel embarrassed to talk about it, premature ejaculation is a common and treatable condition.

Causes

Psychological causes

Some doctors believe that early sexual experiences may establish a pattern that can be difficult to change later in life, such as:

• Situations in which you may have hurried to reach climax in order to avoid being discovered
• Guilty feelings that increase your tendency to rush through sexual encounters

Other factors that can play a role in causing premature ejaculation include:

• Erectile dysfunction. Men who are anxious about obtaining or maintaining their erection during sexual intercourse may form a pattern of rushing to ejaculate, which can be difficult to change.
• Anxiety. Many men with premature ejaculation also have problems with anxiety – either specifically about sexual performance or related to other issues.
• Relationship problems. If you have had satisfying sexual relationships with other partners in which premature ejaculation happened infrequently or not at all, it’s likely that interpersonal issues between you and your current partner are contributing to the problem.

Biological causes

A number of biological factors may contribute to premature ejaculation, including:

• Abnormal hormone levels
• Abnormal levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters
• Abnormal reflex activity of the ejaculatory system
• Certain thyroid problems
• Inflammation and infection of the prostate or urethra
• Inherited traits