What Causes Premature Ejaculation and How to Manage It

Premature ejaculation can be a source of shame and frustration for many people. It occurs when you ejaculate too quickly during sex or masturbation, typically within 1-3 minutes of stimulation.

While occasional early  ejaculation is totally normal, a frequent or constant occurrence can interfere with your sex life and emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are many techniques to treat the condition.

Read on to learn everything about premature ejaculation, including what causes it and proven techniques to prevent it. 

Is premature ejaculation normal?

Yes, premature ejaculation is normal. Occasional early ejaculation is nothing to worry about; 1 in 3 people experience it from time to time.¹ That said, if your early  ejaculation becomes so frequent that it begins to interfere with your sex life, you may be diagnosed with premature ejaculation.

To make this diagnosis, a doctor may look for criteria such as:

• Ejaculating within 3 minutes almost all of the time¹
• Avoiding sexual intimacy or feeling upset about how quickly you ejaculate¹

Biological and Psychological Causes

The causes of premature ejaculation are complex. Both biological and psychological factors can play a role, and the reasons vary from person to person. Any combination of the following factors can contribute to early ejaculation.

Biological factors include:²

• Hormonal imbalances: Oxytocin plays a role in sexual response, and other hormones, such as luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, may also influence how the body responds during sex.
• Low serotonin: Low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness, can cause premature ejaculation along with depression, anxiety, and sleep issues. 
• Swelling of the prostate or urethra: Inflammation can cause swelling in these areas, which may make it harder to control ejaculation.

Psychological factors include:²

• Performance anxiety: Feeling anxious or worried about ejaculating too quickly can actually make it more likely. Concern about erectile dysfunction can also create a similar cycle.
• Depression and anxiety: Other types of anxiety and depression can lead to premature ejaculation, particularly when they’re associated with low serotonin. 
• Sexual abuse or early sexual experiences: Negative sexual experiences, particularly during early life, may influence ejaculation timing later on.
• Nervousness or excitement: Sometimes, early ejaculation suddenly occurs with a new partner. This can be due to heightened positive feelings.
• Relationship issues: Conflict or stress in a relationship can contribute to premature ejaculation.

Biological and psychological factors are often intertwined. For example, low serotonin may contribute to anxiety or depression, which can lead to ejaculating too quickly. That experience can then create performance anxiety that keeps the cycle going. 

How to stop premature ejaculation: Proven techniques

Whether it’s occasional or chronic, the good news is that premature ejaculation is totally treatable. Read on to learn common techniques that can help you last longer. 

Kegel exercises for premature ejaculation

Kegel exercises target your pelvic floor, which is used to control a range of sexual functions. These are the same muscles that you squeeze to stop urinating or to prevent passing gas. Strengthening your pelvic floor can give you more control over when you ejaculate. 

Kegel exercises for premature ejaculation are very simple. Here’s what to do:³

1. Get in a comfortable position, whether sitting or laying down. 
2. Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles while keeping all other muscles relaxed. Hold for about 5 seconds. 
3. Release your muscles for three seconds, then repeat. 
4. Do 3 sets of 10 each day. 

The Squeeze technique and behavioral methods

The pause-squeeze technique for premature ejaculation is a common treatment prescribed by doctors. It can be done alone or with your partner. Follow these steps:⁴ 

1. Bring yourself nearly to the point of ejaculation, whether during sex or masturbation. 
2. Squeeze your penis where the head and shaft meet until the need to ejaculate passes. You can do this yourself or have your partner do it. 
3. Repeat as needed.

If you experience pain from this technique, try this modification:  

1. Stimulate the penis until you’re near ejaculation. 
2. Stop stimulating until the need to ejaculate passes. 
3. Repeat. 

There are other behavioral methods to stop premature ejaculation. For instance, check out some of the best sex positions to last longer in bed.  

FAQs

Foods and home remedies for climax control

Are there foods to cure premature ejaculation? You may have heard that foods can help with this condition, but that’s a myth. 

Foods don’t improve or worsen your ability to delay ejaculation. These types of home remedies don’t exist. If you’d like to improve control, focus on strengthening your pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises or try the squeeze technique. 

Does Viagra help with premature ejaculation?

Viagra isn’t a direct treatment for premature ejaculation and doesn’t significantly increase the time to ejaculation. However, some research suggests it may improve confidence, perceived control, and overall sexual satisfaction. It can also shorten the refractory period after ejaculation, meaning some men may be able to achieve a second erection sooner.⁵ 

Condoms and topical solutions for sensitivity

Decreasing sensitivity may also stop premature ejaculation. There are plenty of topical solutions and condoms for premature ejaculation that reduce sensation and may help you last longer. Check out these products:

• Topical treatments: Look for desensitizing delay gel options or male genital desensitizer spray. 
• Delay condoms: These may be pre-lubricated with desensitizing topicals to delay ejaculation. 

Can low testosterone cause premature ejaculation?

Low testosterone isn’t usually linked to premature ejaculation. In fact, research suggests that lower testosterone levels are more often associated with delayed ejaculation or reduced semen volume. Some studies have found that higher testosterone levels may be linked to faster ejaculation in certain cases.⁶ 

Conclusion

Premature ejaculation is common and often shaped by a mix of physical and emotional factors. While it can feel frustrating or isolating, there are effective treatments and practical strategies that can help. Approaches like pelvic floor exercises, behavioral techniques, and sensitivity-reducing products may improve control and confidence over time. 

If premature ejaculation is persistent or causing distress, speaking with a healthcare provider can help uncover underlying causes and point you toward the most appropriate treatment plan. With the right support and a thoughtful approach, many people are able to improve their sexual wellbeing and experience more satisfying intimacy. 

References: 

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ejaculation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354900
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15627-premature-ejaculation
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22211-kegel-exercises-for-men
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ejaculation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354905
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16422868/
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8382266/