Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a type of sexual dysfunction that occurs when a person has an orgasm and ejaculates sooner than they or their partner would like. It often happens before or shortly after penetration during intercourse. Premature ejaculation can be a frustrating experience for both you and your sexual partner and make your sex lives less enjoyable.

PE can be lifelong, meaning you’ve had it since your first sexual experience. It can also be acquired, which means you’ve had sex previously where PE wasn’t an issue.

What is the average intercourse time for premature ejaculation?

Many healthcare providers would define premature ejaculation as ejaculating within one minute of beginning intercourse. The exact timing for premature ejaculation varies and only your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis.

Most healthcare organizations consider ejaculation “premature” if it:

Occurs sooner than you or your partner desires.
Causes distress to one or both partners.
Happens during all or almost all sexual activity.
Happens within one minute of penetration.
Has been occurring for longer than six months to one year.

How common is premature ejaculation?

Between 30% and 40% of people experience premature ejaculation at some point in their lives. It’s the most common type of sexual dysfunction in people with a penis, with about 1 in 5 people between the ages of 18 and 59 reporting premature ejaculation.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.