Premature ejaculation or PE as it is commonly known is a sexual dysfunction affecting young men aged below 40 years. It could be simply explained by saying that it is the male climax or ejaculation occurring before either of the partners is ready for it. In colloquial terms it could be described as ‘coming within six thrusts’ or ‘coming within two minutes.’

Greek mythology called it ejaculatio praecox. The Greek God of fire, while in pursuit of the goddess Athena, dropped his seed on her leg and thus was conceived the God Erichthonius , King of Athens.⁵

It is very often thought to be psychological in origin, where a man who is very anxious or has oversensitive genitals ejaculates before penetration or too soon after penetration, and that it does not yield the desired satisfaction to the couple. When such a situation leads to frustration, lack of enjoyment from sex, and finally depression and lack of self-esteem, it is deemed to be a case of premature ejaculation. It would not be an understatement to state that premature ejaculation can be a leading cause for broken relationships.


The condition has been linked to instances of abuse or traumatic experiences related to sex in childhood or anxious individuals. It could at times be secondary to hormonal problems or problems related to the prostate gland.

A detailed history of the man’s sex habits, prior sexual trysts, as well as that of the partner must be elicited while treating a couple affected by premature ejaculation.

Sometimes, it could be an instance of the female partner taking a rather too long time to climax, or not climaxing at all, as opposed to a man ejaculating prematurely. An examination of the male usually does not reveal any abnormality.

Treatment lies in both partners understanding the problem, and approaching it in a relaxed manner. Various exercises, positions and maneuvers are recommended to delay the ejaculation for that wee bit longer.

Medications useful for this condition are the anti-depressants, which actually delay ejaculation as a side effect and not as a primary effect. Local anesthetic creams are available which when applied over the penis, numb it and thereby delay the stimulation and ejaculation process.

Though research is on for better drugs, nothing can surpass an easy attitude, understanding stance and patient approach to this problem. Healing oneself of old emotional scars, perhaps with the help of a psychologist also goes a long way in overcoming this problem.