Sexual Dysfunction

Delayed Ejaculation

Delayed ejaculation is a form of male sexual dysfunction that is the least understood scientifically and occurs less often than other male sexual dysfunctions. Approximately 1 to 4% of the male population experiences this issue during their lifetime. Men who deal with this issue feel frustrated by the timeframe it takes to achieve climax, or if the issue prevents their partner from enjoying sex. This form of sexual dysfunction can prevent a fulfilling sex life, strain relationships, and affect physical and mental health. However, sex therapy and quality sexual health education and MendEd resources can provide hope for recovery and enhance your relationship with your partner and your quality of life.
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What Is Delayed Ejaculation?

Many people refer to delayed ejaculation as delayed orgasm, because it is the inability to achieve climax within a reasonable timeframe. Reaching climax may take more than 30 minutes or require more self-stimulation or help from a partner than usual. Some men may not ejaculate at all, which is called anorgasmia. While the average male orgasm happens within 5 to 7 minutes, every man experiences orgasm at different times, and there is no standard or norm on how long it should take.  

Men who struggle to reach climax may have an underlying health issue, mental disorder, stress, or a nervous system condition. Healthcare professionals usually conduct exams and order laboratory testing to diagnose this issue. While many men can experience this issue, it can strain relationships if left untreated. Seeking delayed ejaculation treatment and working with a certified sex therapist can offer an effective recovery solution.

Symptoms of Delayed Ejaculation

Dealing with delayed ejaculation is a frustrating issue for many men and can manifest in various symptoms:
  • Trouble reaching orgasm with self-stimulation or penetration
  • Pain during sexual intercourse or other forms of stimulation
  • Physical exhaustion while trying to climax
  • Loss of erection
  • Can only ejaculate when masturbating

Delayed Ejaculation Causes

Ejaculation requires the collective work of hormones, nerves, and the brain. Men can experience delayed ejaculation for various physical or psychological reasons. Understanding these reasons may help you find solutions and enjoy a fulfilling sex life. 

Mental Health Concerns

Anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health concerns can prevent men from achieving orgasm. Poor body image, performance issues, and a history of trauma can impact the ability to relax enough to reach climax. Some research suggests that men who suffer from depressive disorders may also have difficulty with ejaculation. 

Medications 

Prescriptions and other substances, like alcohol, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and diuretics, can limit a man’s ability to ejaculate. Antidepressants and other medications can alter serotonin levels, contributing to little or no climax. Stress or other mental health issues may trigger the urge to consume more alcohol, affecting the ability to enjoy sex. 

Underlying Medical Conditions

Underlying medical conditions can also prevent men from sexual release. Hormonal imbalance, low testosterone, high blood pressure, cancer, and thyroid disorders affect sexual activity. Some men are also born with defects that affect the reproductive system and limit ejaculation. Other men suffer from retrograde ejaculation, in which semen moves backward into the bladder rather than releasing from the penis. A healthcare professional will often conduct a physical exam and order laboratory testing to determine the underlying medical issue. 

Sustained Injury or Physical Trauma

Surgery, pelvic or penile injury, or various forms of trauma can also prevent or delay ejaculation. If a man suffers from an infection, a blockage in the penis, or a neurological disorder, he may also have trouble reaching sexual climax. 

Relationship Concerns

Sexual intercourse involves emotional, mental, and physical aspects that help people achieve a fulfilling sex life. If one partner makes a sexual request a man feels he can’t fulfill, this can prevent him from ejaculating. If men do not feel connected to their partner, it can also prevent them from desiring sex or reaching orgasm. Infidelity, financial stress, or poor communication are common reasons men struggle to ejaculate or avoid sex altogether. 

Emotional or Trauma History

For many men, psychological conditions are the primary trigger for delayed ejaculation. Performance anxiety, desire to please their partner, or a history of trauma will negatively affect a man’s sex life. 
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How Is Delayed Ejaculation Treated?

Men who suffer from delayed ejaculation may try prescription medications, alternative forms of genital stimulation, or surgery. While these options may help men temporarily reach orgasm, they may not provide a lasting solution to the underlying cause. Whether they suffer from mental health issues, medical concerns, or an unrealistic view of sexual pleasure, seeking help from a sex therapist can help men overcome this condition. Psychoeducational support and online sexual education courses can help men discover the source of their sexual dysfunction and achieve a fulfilling sex life.  
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Online Sexuality Education and Resources Can Help Men Enjoy a Fulfilling Sex Life

Delayed ejaculation in men often happens because of stress, underlying medical concerns, or relational issues. Men may struggle with emotional trauma, an injury, or lifestyle choices that prevent them from reaching a climax on their own or with a partner. MendEd offers online sexual education courses, including From Sexual Distress to Sexual Satisfaction, to help men understand their unique sexual needs.

Compassionate and Safe Atmosphere

Many men avoid talking about sexual dysfunction because they are afraid of what others may think or say. At MendEd, we understand the concern of voicing sexual concerns with strangers. However, we aim to help people feel comfortable by providing a compassionate and nonjudgmental atmosphere. Our courses allow men to understand their anatomy and connect their emotions to the source of their delayed ejaculation. 
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Discovering the Cause of Delayed Ejaculation

Men who suffer from delayed ejaculation may also experience other symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration, or other imbalances that impact their mental and physical health. We provide the resources for men to explore the importance of passion and confidence for a better sex life. From Sexual Distress to Sexual Satisfaction contains a collection of audio files, including:

  1. Sexual Health and Sexual Dysfunction
  2. Being in Your Body
  3. Sexual Developmental History
  4. Childhood Maltreatment
  5. Sex Positive Psychoeducation

You do not have to suffer from delayed ejaculation or sexual dysfunction on your own. Working through this course will allow you to identify the source of your issues and provide you with comprehensive resources to help you find solutions and enjoy a fulfilling sex life once again. 
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About Kimberly Keiser

Kimberly Keiser is licensed professional counselor, AASECT certified sex therapist, AASECT certified sex therapist supervisor, EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist and trauma expert providing client care, clinical supervision, and clinical consultation. Kimberly is a researcher in Dr. Kristine Jacquin's clinical forensic neuropsychology lab at Fielding Graduate University. Kimberly develops educational training, presentations, CEUs, and webinars for professional and lay audiences in the fields of sex therapy and trauma therapy. 
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Find Solutions With MendEd Courses

You do not have to continue to suffer from the effects of delayed ejaculation. MendEd offers online sexual education courses that can help you identify the causes and overcome sexual dysfunction. Enroll in a course today, or reach out to MendEd if you have questions. 

Ask Me Anything

If you aren’t sure whether this course is right for you, submit an anonymous question that Kimberly will respond to through our Ask Me Anything inquiry. 
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Schedule a Call

If you would like a complimentary 15-minute consultation with Kimberly to ask any questions related to your specific experience, feel free to reach out to Kimberly directly at kimberly@mendeducation.com or schedule your 15-minute consultation online.