Premature ejaculation (PE) consists of the difficulty in achieving proper control over the ejaculatory reflex. Fortunately, it is treatable, with a very favorable prognosis, showing up to a 90% therapeutic success rate when managed appropriately.
People with this difficulty move from arousal to orgasm very quickly, with the plateau period (a stage of high arousal, generally prior to the orgasm phase) being almost nonexistent. This aspect causes significant distress and affects the quality of shared sexual experiences. Over time, it is not uncommon for these experiences to eventually be avoided.
Premature ejaculation can affect between 20-25% of the adult population, making it one of the primary reasons for consultation. Moreover, this issue does not only affect younger individuals; it can occur at any age.
At Andrología Barcelona, we are here to help you understand your case, offering guidance, connecting you with the best professional and treatment for you, and tailoring it to your specific needs. We have a broad team of professionals ready to assist you. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it!
When this condition persists over time and goes untreated, it can lead to additional issues, such as a decrease in sexual desire or libido. It is also common for secondary erectile dysfunction to develop due to the fear and tension the person experiences, which may lead them to avoid sexual encounters or even develop an aversion to them.
In relationships, it is common for issues such as anorgasmia, lack of desire, or performance demands to arise, often resulting in a lack of empathy and cooperation from the partner.
When we receive a case of PE, the first step is to assess how long it has been occurring and under what circumstances. Thus, we can discuss premature ejaculation of the following nature:
Primary
This means it has always occurred, starting from the first shared sexual experiences. These are the most common cases of premature ejaculation, accounting for 70-80% of the total.
Secondary
This refers to those cases where premature ejaculation occurs after a period of relative normality. Some situations such as anxiety, relationship conflicts, or high stress can cause it. It is less common.
Situational
This means it occurs only with certain practices and in specific contexts. For example: at the beginning of a relationship, or only during penetration, but not with other practices.
Subjective
Or false self-diagnoses, based purely on expectations. Therefore, it would not be classified as premature ejaculation as such.
These account for 15-20% of cases.
Neurological alterations are associated with difficulties in distinguishing the signals of high arousal and the premonitory sensations that accompany ejaculation. Additionally, hyperexcitability of the sympathetic nervous system can result in a shorter ejaculatory latency. There may also be serotoninergic disturbances and an increase in oxytocin.
Conditions such as:
These are the most common, accounting for 80% of cases, with performance anxiety being the primary factor.
It’s important to classify these into three categories:
Pharmacological therapy
Cognitive therapy
Sex therapy
Initially, it is common to “prohibit intercourse” with exercises such as:
Remember that at Andrología Barcelona, we have a large team ready to help you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it!