Approximately 30 to 40 percent of men experience premature ejaculation at some point in their lives, while many others experience erectile dysfunction, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, while premature ejaculation causes men to ejaculate too quickly during sexual intercourse. Though each condition is different, men with both conditions often go through similar testing and treatments.
Determine a Cause
A proper diagnosis is important for both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. A doctor should perform a physical exam and a number of tests to rule out medical problems that may be contributing to the sexual dysfunction, explains the Cleveland Clinic. Some of these tests include blood work to evaluate hormone levels and vascular assessments to evaluation the blood flow to the penis. A doctor may also perform a test to monitor erections that naturally occur when men sleep. This nocturnal testing can help the doctor determine if psychological problems could be contributing to the problem. Sensory testing to measure the strength of nerve impulses may also help properly diagnose the condition.
Consider Medication
Many medications are available to treat both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction include the injectable medication alprostadil and the oral medications sildenafil, tadafil and vardenafil. Men with premature ejaculation problems may benefit from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, even though the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of antidepressants for this purpose, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Consider Counseling
Men with sexual dysfunction often can benefit from counseling. In the case of premature ejaculation, men may have unknowingly trained themselves to ejaculate quickly. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may help the man unlearn this behavior. Erectile dysfunction, on the other hand, is often due to anxiety, depression or stress in the relationship. Working individually with a therapist or participating in couples counseling can resolve these issues and make getting and keeping an erection more likely.
Communicate
Many men are embarrassed or ashamed of these conditions, and may avoid talking about it with their partners out of fear of judgment or ridicule. However, this often leads the partner to feel resentful or frustrated, which can cause problems in the relationship and exacerbate the problem even more. On the other hand, men who involve their partner in the treatment process are often more successful at managing the condition, according to MayoClinic.com.
Make Healthy Changes
Many lifestyle modifications may also help. This includes limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking and illicit drugs, reducing stress, maintaining a health body weight and getting regular exercises, explains the University of Michigan Health Systems. These changes not only can reduce the severity or frequency of the condition now, but may be able to prevent future episodes from occurring.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Sexual Dysfunction in Males
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Premature Ejaculation
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Erectile Dysfunction
- MayoClinic.com: Erectile Dysfunction Coping and Support
- University of Michigan Health Systems: Lifestyle Factors That May Affect Erections
