Premature Ejaculation Malaysia
MEN’S HEALTH ISSUE: PREMATURE EJACULATION
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being concerning sexuality. It is beyond the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity. Good sexual health is an essential part of physical, mental, as well as social well-being. It is vital in both men and women as it contributes to a good quality of life and self-confidence. A sexual health problem or sexual dysfunction is a problem at any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents sexual satisfaction. While research suggested that sexual dysfunction is common in both men and women, it is often a taboo among Malaysian to discuss about it.
In men, premature ejaculation is the most prevalent form of men’s sexual dysfunction. It is estimated that, 1 in 5 Malaysian men suffer from premature ejaculation. Premature ejaculation can occur to men at virtually any age. It is most common in men aged between 18-30 years old. Premature ejaculation becomes a medical concern if its frequency interferes with the sexual pleasure of a man or his partner. So What is Premature Ejaculation?
What is Premature Ejaculation?
A man is said to have premature ejaculation if he ejaculates too quickly or sooner than he or his partner would desire during sexual intercourse. Premature ejaculation can be frustrating to couples. It could cause a relationship crisis as well as having a detrimental effect on men’s self-esteem.
A man with premature ejaculation would persistently be unable to control or delay ejaculation for more than one minute into sexual intercourse.
Premature ejaculation can be classified into 2 types:
- Primary
- Where you have always had the problem occurs all or nearly all of the time, beginning with your first sexual encounters.
- Secondary
- Also known as acquired premature ejaculation.
- Where you recently developed the problem, whereby there are no ejaculatory problems in previous sexual experiences.
The severity of premature ejaculation can be specified as follows:
- Mild – occurring within approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute of vaginal penetration.
- Moderate – occurring within approximately 15-30 seconds of vaginal penetration.
- Severe -occurring before sexual activity, at the start of sexual activity, or within approximately 15 seconds of vaginal penetration.
What Causes Premature Ejaculation?
The cause of premature ejaculation is not known, but your brain chemistry could partly to blame. Men who have low levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin in their brains tend to ejaculate faster.
Below are some factors that contribute to premature ejaculation;
- Physical causes:
- Diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- Alcohol and recreational drugs use
- Inflammation of prostate gland (prostatitis), inflammation, or infection of the urethra.
- Erectile dysfunction
- Psychological/Emotional causes:
- Sexual abuse
- Poor body image, low self-esteem
- Depression, stress, and anger.
- Anxiety, either specifically about sexual performance or other related issues.
- Feeling of guilt
- Relationship
- Sexual and non-sexual relationship factors can also impact the man’s sexual functioning.
- Power struggles, poor communication, fear of commitment or intimacy, and feeling pressured to perform can reduce the man’s ejaculatory control.
Impact of Premature Ejaculation to Men’s Health
Men with premature ejaculation often suffer from psychological distress as well and cause problems in personal life.
Premature ejaculation can cause many problems in your personal life:
- Interpersonal difficulty
- Mental distress – Anxiety, Depression, Embarrassment, guilt, and frustration.
- Impaired quality of life, low self-esteem
- Relationship and marriage problems
- Fertility problems
Premature Ejacuation Treatment Options
Men should not feel shy about seeking treatment for premature ejaculation. Talking to a professional doctor might help lessen the concern about premature ejaculation.
Treatment options for premature ejaculation include behavioral modification, relationship couseling, topical and oral medications. Combination approach is often needed to achieve the best outcome.
- Behavioral modification:
- Masturbating an hour or two before having sex
- Using a thick condom to decrease penis sensitivity, which can help delay ejaculation.
- Topical medication:
- medicated topical desensitizing creams
- Medications:
- Medication such as Dapoxetine is available with a doctor’s prescription to help men with premature ejaculation.
- Counseling:
- Marriage counseling may help solve any conflict causing premature ejaculation
Conclusion
Men suffering from premature ejaculation should not suffer alone. All men have the right to feel confident. Marriage affected by premature ejaculation deserves a second chance. Seek professional help for proper advice and treatment.
Dr (Jason) Ho Wen Kee
MBBS (Manipal University)
Medical Aesthetic LCP (MOH, M’sia)
Dip Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM)
