Premature ejaculation is a common ejaculation problem where a man ejaculates too quickly during sexual intercourse. The exact cause of premature ejaculation is not known, but it is believed to involve a complex interaction of psychological and biological factors. Below are some of the factors that may contribute to premature ejaculation:
Psychological causes:
- Anxiety about sexual performance or related to other issues
- Relationship problems
- Depression
- Stress
- Guilty feelings
- Lack of confidence or poor body image
- Concern over sexual performance
- Negative feelings about the idea of sex (sexual repression)
Biological causes:
- An underlying erectile dysfunction diagnosis
- Irregular hormone levels
- Irregular levels of brain chemicals
- Swelling and infection of the prostate or urethra
- Inherited traits
Various factors can increase the risk of premature ejaculation, including erectile dysfunction, fear of losing an erection, and stress. If the cause of premature ejaculation is psychological, emotional, or due to relationship issues, seeking the help of a psychologist, psychiatrist, or sex therapist may be helpful. Several medical treatments may also help people who have this condition, including antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) .
