Having premature ejaculations during sexual activity can be frustrating for you and your partner. There are a variety of over-the-counter vitamin supplements you can take that may help prevent this disorder. In some cases, premature ejaculation may be an underlying problem to a serious condition. Talk with your doctor or health care provider about your concerns and let him know if you decide to take a vitamin supplement.
What Is Premature Ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation occurs when you ejaculate before or shortly after sexual intercourse begins. This condition is common; about one in three men suffers from it, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many factors can contribute to premature ejaculation, including psychological or biological issues. Psychological contributors, such as anxiety, relationship problems or erectile dysfunction may inhibit your ability to sustain sexual activity. Once in awhile, biological problems, such as thyroid problems, abnormal hormone levels or genetics play a role in frequent premature ejaculations. Talk with your health care provider about your concerns before it disrupts your life.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is a type of water-soluble B vitamin that may help with psychological issues associated with premature ejaculation. Your doctor may prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, to treat depression. SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. This process helps balance serotonin, thus boosting your mood. According to a hypothesis published by researchers in the "Medical Hypothesis" journal in 2011, folic acid may act in a similar way by interacting with monoamine neurotransmitters. These types of transmitters regulate and modify signals between brain cells called neurons. Monoamines may stabilize your mood, since having too many or too few can cause an array of mood swings, depression and anxiety. For optimal health, the Linus Pauling Institute recommends ingesting 400 mcg of folic acid daily. Having adequate folic acid intake may help decrease stress, possibly helping with premature ejaculation.
Vitamin C
Lactic acid and free radicals are byproducts of contractions you experience during ejaculation. Having frequent ejaculations can cause them to build up in your pelvic region, possibly leading to frequent premature ejaculations. In the "Medical Hypothesis" journal in 2009, researchers suggested that vitamin C can help eliminate some of these byproducts. One of the roles of vitamin C is acting as an antioxidant, warding off harmful, highly reactive free radicals that damage cells and can lead to damage of veins in the penis. Getting adequate amounts of vitamin C daily, about 90 mg, may help prevent damage from free radicals, reducing problems associated with premature ejaculations, over time.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E also has antioxidant properties and can help eliminate free radicals. In addition to damaging cells and vein walls, free radicals can break down muscle tissue. Having an abundance of free radicals floating in your pelvic region may weaken muscles, increasing your problems with premature ejaculation. Ensure that you ingest the recommended 15 mg or 22.4 IU of vitamin E daily, suggests the Office of Dietary Supplements.
References
- "Medical Hypothesis"; Folic Acid Supplementation as Adjunctive Treatment Premature Ejaculation; T.L. Yin, et al.; March 2011
- International Society for Complexity Information and Design: Monoamine Neurotransmitters
- "Medical Hypothesis"; Frequent Ejaculation Associated Free Radical and Lactic Acid Accumulation Cause Noninfectious Inflammation and Muscle Dysfunction: A Potential Mechanism for Symptoms in Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome; H. Peng, et al.; September 2009
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- Mayo Clinic; Premature Ejaculation; February 2011
Member Comments