Ejaculatory Dysfunction

It’s important to know that ejaculatory dysfunction isn’t your fault. The condition affects up to 30 percent of men between the ages of 18 and 59.

Whether you ejaculate too soon or have trouble reaching orgasm, the problem can significantly impact your sex life. Men with ejaculatory dysfunction often feel embarrassed or frustrated. They may even avoid intimacy altogether.

If this condition troubles you or your partner, the experts at the Henry Ford Men’s Health Clinic can help.

Types of ejaculatory dysfunction

Two types of ejaculatory dysfunction can result in sexual problems, including:

• Premature ejaculation (PE) is when a man ejaculates soon after, or even before, penetration. This condition is sometimes called rapid ejaculation (RE).
• Delayed ejaculation is when a man is unable ejaculate within a reasonable period.

Causes of premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation affects up to 30 percent of men. Ejaculation is controlled mostly by your autonomic nervous system, the same system that controls your heart rate and digestion. That means you have very little conscious control over when you ejaculate. Even if the cause of PE is often unclear, it is still treatable. Possible causes of PE include:

• Anxiety: It’s normal for men to experience PE at the start of a new relationship. You may also have PE during times of stress within a relationship. Often, open communication and comfort with your partner helps resolve the issue.
• Penile sensitivity: Men with increased sensitivity on the underside of the head of the penis may be more likely to ejaculate prematurely.

Treatments for premature ejaculation

Our men’s health experts offer a variety of treatments for premature ejaculation. We understand that this condition can cause frustration and embarrassment, and we’re here to help. Our approaches include:

• Behavioral therapy: Our specially trained therapists can work with you — alone or with your partner — on techniques to delay ejaculation.
• Topical medication: If over-sensitivity is an issue, we can prescribe medications that you apply to the head of your penis. These decrease sensitivity and can delay ejaculation.
• Oral medication: Low doses of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help some men overcome premature ejaculation. Erectile dysfunction medications may also help prolong erection.

Causes of delayed ejaculation

This type of ejaculatory dysfunction is less common than premature ejaculation but can be even more frustrating. Possible causes of delayed ejaculation include:

• Anxiety or stress: Anxiety about sexual performance or stress in your relationship may result in difficulty achieving orgasm.
• Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves in the pelvis or spinal cord can disrupt nerve signals to the penis. That means the penis doesn’t receive the message that it’s time to ejaculate.
• Medication side effects: Certain prescription medications, such as antidepressants, can cause delayed ejaculation.
• Use of alcohol or recreational drugs: Alcohol and drugs can diminish sensation and make it more difficult to climax.
• Neurological Diseases: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis also can affect nerve signals.

Treatments for delayed ejaculation

We understand how distressing delayed ejaculation can be for both you and your partner. Our specialists have remedies that can lead to a more satisfying sex life. Treatment options include:

• Behavioral therapy: If anxiety or stress is affecting your ability to orgasm, you may benefit from talking to a specialized therapist. Our therapists work with you — either alone or with your partner — on techniques to manage these feelings and improve sexual function.
• Vibrators: Using a vibrator on the head of the penis can help men with nerve damage achieve orgasm more easily.
• Alternate medications: If you are taking a medication that causes delayed ejaculation, we may be able to find an alternate treatment with fewer side effects.

If you’re concerned about ejaculatory dysfunction, don’t suffer in silence. Our experts at the Henry Ford Men’s Health Center have effective treatments to help.