What Is Delayed Ejaculation and Why Does It Happen?
Delayed ejaculation, also known as male orgasmic disorder, is not a sign of pride but rather a source of frustration and distress.
What is delayed ejaculation?
Delayed ejaculation occurs when achieving orgasm becomes extremely difficult. Men who experience delayed ejaculation often have normal sexual desire and arousal and can achieve and maintain an erection. However, despite high levels of sexual excitement, they may struggle to reach climax—even after 30 to 60 minutes of thrusting during intercourse.
This condition can lead to avoiding sexual intimacy altogether. If left untreated, it may cause frustration and disappointment after every sexual encounter. Additionally, a partner may feel unattractive or unappreciated due to the persistent difficulty in achieving climax.
What causes delayed ejaculation?
Delayed ejaculation can result from physical, psychological, or a combination of both factors.
Physical causes of delayed ejaculation:
• Diabetes.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Spinal cord injury.
• Bladder and prostate surgery.
• Certain medications: antidepressants, blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers, muscle relaxants, strong painkillers, and alcohol.
Aging may also play a role. As men get older, the penis may become less sensitive, and testosterone levels decline, which can slow the arousal process. Similarly, a partner’s vaginal tissue may loosen over time, reducing friction and sensation during intercourse.
Psychological causes of delayed ejaculation:
• Fear of pregnancy. Even if your partner is using birth control, you can try using condoms as well, with the added benefit of protecting against STIs, HIV, and related concerns.
• Inherited negative attitudes about sex.
• Feelings of shyness.
• Strong cultural or religious beliefs about sex.
• Stress or depression.
• Sexual trauma.
• Relationship difficulties.
• Fear of feeling out of control or vulnerable.
• Negative feelings about the appearance, smell, or feel of semen.
• Fear of losing physical control during orgasm, especially fear of sudden urinary incontinence.
How do you overcome delayed ejaculation?
Some men hope the issue will resolve on its own, and in some cases, it does. However, if delayed ejaculation persists for more than six months, it’s recommended to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Certain medications can impact ejaculation, so it’s worth asking your doctor about alternative treatments that minimize side effects.
What to expect from delayed ejaculation treatment?
The success rate for treating delayed ejaculation ranges from 70% to 80%. The chances of improvement are higher in cases where:
• There is a history of successful sexual relationships.
• The issue has not been present for a long time.
• There is normal sexual desire.
• The man feels love or attraction toward his partner.
• The individual is motivated to undergo treatment.
• There are no serious psychological disorders.
Potential complications of untreated delayed ejaculation:
If left untreated, delayed ejaculation may lead to:
• Avoidance of sexual contact.
• Reduced sexual desire.
• Increased tension in the relationship.
• Sexual dissatisfaction.
• Difficulty conceiving.
Prevention of delayed ejaculation:
Maintaining a healthy attitude toward sex and your body can help prevent delayed ejaculation. It's important to understand that sexual response cannot be forced—just as you cannot force yourself to fall asleep at a specific moment. The more you focus on achieving a specific sexual response, the harder it may become.
To reduce stress and improve sexual satisfaction:
• Focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about ejaculation.
• A supportive partner can create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, enhancing intimacy and reducing anxiety.