Delayed ejaculation, which is the persistent difficulty in ejaculating during sexual intercourse, is a highly treatable condition. In fact, the National Institutes of Health notes that the average success rate of outpatient treatment is approximately 70 to 80 percent. Although some men feel embarrassed about seeking help, not treating the condition can lead to stress, avoidance of sexual contact and severe relationship problems.
Therapy
Therapy treats delayed ejaculation by addressing underlying mental illness or psychological issues causing the condition. Since each man's situation is unique, the type of therapy needed will depend upon the specific situation.
In sex therapy, the man and his partner learn strategies to improve intimacy, pleasure and communication in the bedroom. The sex therapist gives sexually based homework assignments so the couple can engage in sexual activities while reducing the male partner's anxiety or pressure to perform.
In couples counseling, therapists help couples with relationship problems identifying emotions or behavioral patterns that could be contributing to the ejaculation problem. This may include the man feeling judged by his partner or feeling angry or resentful about the relationship. The couples therapist then works with the couple to change their thoughts and behaviors surrounding these negative feelings.
Men who have strong, healthy relationships may forgo couples counseling and opt for individual counseling instead. Individual counseling can help men manage feelings of stress, anxiety or depression that are contributing to the delayed ejaculation.
Finally, men with alcohol or drug addiction may discover getting sober often helps resolve issues with delayed ejaculation. Addicted men should consider substance abuse counseling or addiction support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
Medication
Certain medications can contribute to delayed ejaculation, and switching to a different medication or adjusting the dosage may be all that's necessary to treat the condition. If this doesn't work or if the man isn't taking any medication, doctors may prescribe certain medications to help. Many of these medications are often intended to treat other conditions, and doctors prescribe them "off-label." Medications that may help delayed ejaculation include cyproheptadine, yohimbine, buspirone, bupropion and amantadine, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treating an Underlying Condition
Delayed ejaculation can be a symptom of a medical condition. Some medical conditions that can cause delayed ejaculation include urinary tract infections, hormonal imbalances, injury to the pelvic nerves, diabetes, stroke, spinal cord injuries, heart disease, prostate problems and certain birth defects, according to MayoClinic.com. Men should get a complete physical exam before starting therapy or medication to determine if a physical cause for the problem is to blame. During this exam, the doctor carefully examines the penis and testicles to determine if the man has normal sensation in his genitals. The doctor also may collect a sample of blood or urine to check for signs of low testosterone, heart disease, diabetes, infection or other health issues. If the results of these tests indicate a medical issue is to blame, treating or curing that medical issue may eliminate the ejaculation problem.
