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Ejaculation problem - how can it be treated

Any problem during the sexual intercourse that prevents a man or a couple from experiencing sexual satisfaction can be referred to as sexual problem. A sexual problem can be of any kind. It may range from erectile dysfunction to ejaculation problems.

Some sexual health problems do not have serious medical consequences. However, some of these problems may affect a man’s quality of life by having a negative effect on relationships and feelings self respect. Some sexual health problems may also be a symptom of another serious underlying medical condition such as diabetes or heart problems. Therefore, it is important that such problems are carefully checked and treated.

Certain medications, particularly those used to treat mood disorders, may cause problems with ejaculation. This generally does not require treatment unless it impairs fertility.

Ejaculation problems

The most commonly experienced sexual problems in men are ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunction and inhibited sexual desire.

In some cases, premature and inhibited or delayed ejaculation is caused by a lack of attraction of a partner, past traumatic events and psychological factors. It may also include a strict religious background that makes a person view sex as sinful. There are different types of ejaculation disorders that include:

• Premature ejaculation
• Inhibited or delayed ejaculation
• Retrograde ejaculation

Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation happens when a man is unable to control the timing of ejaculation, and ejaculates before he or his partner feels ready for it. It is common for young men to ejaculate rapidly. However, ejaculatory control is usually gained with the confidence and experience.

Premature ejaculation, the most common form of sexual dysfunction in men, often is due to nervousness over how well he will perform during sex. Certain drugs, including some anti-depressants, may affect ejaculation, as can nerve damage to the spinal cord or back.

Retrograde ejaculation

In some cases, the muscles at the opening of the bladder do not close properly. The bladder muscles are responsible for stopping semen from entering the bladder. If they don’t close properly the semen flows back into the bladder. This leads to retrograde ejaculation. Due to this, little or no semen is discharged during ejaculation and the urine is often mixed with semen.

Delayed ejaculation

Delayed ejaculation and anorgasmia are used to describe the inability to ejaculate when required. Thus, ejaculation takes much longer than desired or does not happen at all. This might happen only with intercourse, or in all situations including self-stimulation (masturbation). Orgasm and ejaculation are often used interchangeably, but some men can experience orgasm even though they don’t ejaculate.

Treatment of ejaculation problem

How is premature ejaculation treated?

SSRI antidepressants

A side effect of these drugs is that they delay ejaculation; therefore they can also be used to control the symptom. The treatment only works for as long as the patient continues to take the medication.

Traditional sex therapy

Masters and Johnson’s “squeeze” technique is a behavioral model in which the patient “retrains” to recognize pelvic sensations before ejaculation. In this way the patient can control the ejaculation process.

Sex therapy with the help of an experienced sex therapist may help in which the underlying sexual and relationship issues can be explored and treated.

How is retrograde ejaculation treated?

Most men who have retrograde ejaculation do not need any special treatment. The important thing is that it is not a sign of serious illness.

Men who wish to have a family may need to see a fertility specialist for assisted reproductive techniques if the problem cannot be treated.

How is delayed ejaculation treated?

For men who suffer from delayed ejaculation due to side effects of anti-depressant, change of medicine may be recommended.

Vibrator stimulation and electrical stimulation of the penis can be used to promote reflex ejaculation in men who can’t ejaculate but want to have a baby. Men who are concerned about being unable to ejaculate without any medical reason may need long-term individual counseling.

Electro-ejaculation is another option for men with spinal cord injury. An electrical charge is given to the back of the penis via the rectum. Sperm is then ejaculated and collected for use in assisted reproductive techniques.

Alternatively, sperm can be isolated from the testis by needle biopsy and used in ICSI/IVF procedures.

Men may suffer from ejaculation problems due to different reasons. However, with professional help and medicines, it is possible to overcome this problem.