Ejaculation is considered premature when it occurs faster than either of the partners would like it to happen. There is no exact time that needs to be followed for a normal ejaculation. It really depends on both partners, on how they can satisfy each others sexual needs. For example, if you usually ejaculate in 5 minutes and your partner is already satisfied after 3 minutes of vaginal intercourse then there will be no problem. However, if she needs 10 minutes to reach orgasm, then this means you have ejaculated prematurely.
If premature ejaculation is only an occasional event for you and your partner, then there is nothing to worry about. However, if it happens frequently, you may already have a sexual disorder. Premature ejaculation becomes alarming when more than 50% of your sexual attempts end this way.
There are two types of premature ejaculation:
• Primary – when the problem began ever since you started to become sexually active
• Secondary - when you developed the condition only after you have had previously satisfying sexual relationships
There is no exact known cause to this sexual disorder. Some doctors believe that early sexual experiences (such as hurrying to reach climax to avoid being caught, etc.) have established certain patterns that may be difficult to change later on. Other factors may also play a role such as erectile dysfunction - where a man cannot maintain long erections resulting to hurried ejaculations, or anxiety - such as stress, lack of sleep or relationship issues.
It is best to seek help from your doctor to immediately address this concern. Your doctor may provide medications, therapy, or even teach you sexual techniques to help solve the problem.
Some behavioral techniques to prolong ejaculation include:
• Stop and start method – continue sexual stimulation until you recognize that you are about to ejaculate. Then stop the stimulation for 30 seconds before resuming it. Repeat this method until the time you decide to push through with the ejaculation.
• Squeeze method – when you feel that you are about to ejaculate, gently squeeze the penis’ end for several seconds and stopping the sexual stimulation for 30 seconds. You may also repeat this method until you reach the proper time to ejaculate.
Remember that most problems on premature ejaculation can be treated by your doctor. You do not need to suffer! Do not be embarrassed to seek help, especially if it will improve your most intimate relationship.