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Are you struggling to perform in bed? If so, then you’re likely suffering from a form of sexual dysfunction. Two major sexual dysfunction problems are erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE).
At first glance, these two terms seem broadly similar. They both refer to an inability to sexually satisfy your partner, so aren’t they one and the same?
In truth, these two conditions differ significantly. Although erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation inhibit your sexual performance, there are key characteristics these two conditions have that set them apart.
Both are male sexual conditions that impact sexual performance, but the treatment options vary depending on whether ED or PE is present.
It can be embarrassing and awkward to talk about not being able to perform sexually. This communication gap leads to misinformation and misguided views about erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
Let’s highlight the differences between these two sexual dysfunctions, as well as some of their treatments.
Premature Ejaculation: What Is It?
When you ejaculate earlier than expected, or when you are unable to control your ejaculation, you are experiencing premature ejaculation (PE).
Orgasming too quickly can be a medical concern if:
- You typically ejaculate after one to two minutes after penetration
- You frequently have trouble delaying or stopping your ejaculation during sexual activity
- Due to anxiety, low confidence, and inability to satisfy your partner, you avoid engaging in sexual activity
- You’re upset with yourself because you can’t perform
Generally speaking, being unable to control your ejaculation for two minutes can be classified as premature ejaculation. However, this can vary from situation to situation, so it’s up to you and your partner to decide what’s considered too quick.
If this is what you are going through, know you’re not struggling alone. Approximately 1 in 3 men experiences PE at some point in their life.
That said, what are the symptoms of premature ejaculation?
Symptoms Of Premature Ejaculation
The main sign of premature ejaculation is the persistent inability to delay ejaculation for more than two minutes after penetration or during masturbation.
Premature ejaculation is classified into two types. They are:
- Lifelong premature ejaculation: In this condition, premature ejaculation is experienced from the start of sexual life.
- Acquired premature ejaculation This refers to the condition in which premature ejaculation was not present at the beginning of your sex life, but you developed it later.
Ejaculating early a few times in your life does not mean you have premature ejaculation. It’s normal to experience early ejaculation a few times in your life. However, if it’s a consistent dilemma, it’s best to contact a PE doctor for further steps on how to delay premature ejaculation for viable sexual intercourse.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
When you can’t get or keep an erection before or during penetrative sex, you may have erectile dysfunction.Broadly speaking, if getting your penis hard is a big struggle for you, erectile dysfunction might be the underlying cause.
Several factors can cause this sexual function problem, including stress, anxiety and physiological causes.
It can also be a result of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disorders, and unhealthy lifestyles.
The treatment for erectile dysfunction varies depending on the cause of your erectile dysfunction. Even so, the first step in any treatment is to open up to your ED doctor.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction has three main symptoms. They are:
- Difficulty attaining an erection
- Having softer erections
- Short-lasting erections
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. Having erectile dysfunction, you may feel insecure and frustrated, unable to tell anyone.
But there’s no need to feel embarrassed, as erectile dysfunction is experienced by more than 50% of men in the US between the age of 40 and 70.
Common Treatments for Premature Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction
Your sexual health can be enhanced by eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and the omega-3 fatty acid found in seafood and other produce.
Ejaculation that occurs too early can also be caused by weak pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises for the pelvic floor can help build stronger pelvic floor muscles and postpone ejaculations.
Physical activity also helps reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Research shows that boosting your energy levelsthrough moderate to intense exercise, including running, swimming, and bicycling, helps reduce erectile dysfunction. Switching to better sex positions may also help.
Erectile dysfunction may be caused by mental health conditions like depression or anxiety when having sex. Cognitive behavior sex therapy (CBST) is more effective at lowering sex related anxiety, according to a recent study.
Sexual trauma such as sexual abuse and bad sex experiences, may be a cause of premature ejaculation. In some cases, worrying about premature ejaculation or not satisfying your partner also led to the development of premature ejaculation.
Treatments For Premature Ejaculation
Other treatments specific to PE include:
Topical Numbing Agents
Other treatments specific to PE include various creams, gels, and sprays containing a numbing agent that are sometimes used to treat premature ejaculation.
These numbing agents like benzocaine, lidocaine, and prilocaine help numb sensations and delay ejaculation. They are effective but may result in decreased feelings and sexual pleasure.
Oral Medications
Antidepressants, for example, paroxetine and citalopram, and some pain killers, have delayed orgasms as a side effect, which is used to treat PE.
PE Therapy
A medical professional specializing in treating PE can provide a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan tailored around specific needs of an individual suffering from PE.
Treatments For Erectile Dysfunction
Nowadays, there are a multitude of clinical treatments to treat and manage erectile dysfunction.
Treatments for erectile dysfunction include
- Vacuum erection devices: These devices use suction to pull blood into the penis, making it erect. It is one of the safest ways to treat ED.
- Acoustic wave therapy: This treatment uses a wand-shaped device to break plaque in blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow to the penis.
- Penile implants: Penile implants are small inflatables, inserted into the penis to enable erections.
- Penile vascular surgery: Penile vascular surgery is used to bypass arteries causing erectile dysfunction. However, due to low long term success rates, it is not recommended.
Jacksonville’s Top Male Health Clinic Can Help Men Combat PE
Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction may cause problems in sexual relationships, but it’s important to recognize they’re not the same. Their causes and treatment vary.
However, there is a relationship between premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can cause premature ejaculation to worsen. The anxiety and disappointment in yourself due to erectile dysfunction can also make premature ejaculation worse.
If you are experiencing male sexual dysfunction in any form, contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Working with experienced medical professionals like those at Jacksonville male clinic Prime Men’s Medical Center for a proper clinical evaluation leads to better outcomes for men with ED, PE, Low-T, and other sexual concerns. Give our team a call today to schedule your appointment.
