Premature ejaculation occurs when a man experiences an orgasm before either he or his partner is ready. The Cleveland Clinic reports that it can often happen immediately after penetration and can be a source of embarrassment for men and a source of frustration for their partners. Up to 40% of men will experience premature ejaculation at some point in their lives. It can be triggered by a few factors, including stress, anxiety, and fear about sexual performance. Physiological causes can also come into play, such as hormonal issues, low levels of serotonin, or even an extra-sensitive penis.
Premature ejaculation isn’t cause for concern if it rarely happens or is an isolated incident. However, if it is a regular occurrence, happening within just a few minutes of penetration, then you may want to seek treatment. Experts recommend various options for treating this condition, such as therapy and counseling, numbing creams or sprays, or physical methods that you and your partner can practice to help delay ejaculation. These include the squeeze method, in which your partner squeezes your penis when you feel close to climax, making you more aware of the sensations and learning to delay your orgasm. There is also the stop-start method, in which you stop penile stimulation as you feel your orgasm approaching, then start again, stopping and starting three times before climaxing for the fourth time. Whatever methods you attempt, you should always do so with mutual consent and understanding between you and your partner and the approval and recommendation of your doctor.