Premature ejaculation occurs when a man ejaculates sooner during sexual intercourse than he or his partner would like. Premature ejaculation is a common sexual complaint. Estimates vary, but as many as 1 out of 3 men say they experience this problem at some time.

As long as it happens infrequently, it's not cause for concern. However, you might be diagnosed with premature ejaculation if you:

Always or nearly always ejaculate within one minute of penetration Are unable to delay ejaculation during intercourse all or nearly all of the time Feel distressed and frustrated, and tend to avoid sexual intimacy as a result Both psychological and biological factors can play a role in premature ejaculation. Although many men feel embarrassed talking about it, premature ejaculation is a common and treatable condition. Medications, counseling and sexual techniques that delay ejaculation or a combination of these can help improve sex for you and your partner.

Symptoms

The main symptom of premature ejaculation is the inability to delay ejaculation for more than one minute after penetration. However, the problem might occur in all sexual situations, even during masturbation.

Lifelong (primary). Lifelong premature ejaculation occurs all or nearly all of the time beginning with your first sexual encounters.

Acquired (secondary). Acquired premature ejaculation develops after you've had previous sexual experiences without ejaculatory problems.

Many men feel that they have symptoms of premature ejaculation, but the symptoms don't meet the diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation. Instead these men might have natural variable premature ejaculation, which includes periods of rapid ejaculation as well as periods of normal ejaculation.

Causes

The exact cause of premature ejaculation isn't known. While it was once thought to be only psychological, doctors now know premature ejaculation involves a complex interaction of psychological and biological factors.

Psychological causes

Psychological factors that might play a role include:

• Early sexual experiences
• Sexual abuse
• Poor body image
• Depression/li>
• Worrying about premature ejaculation
• Guilty feelings that increase your tendency to rush through sexual encounters