Premature ejaculation can lead to a serious psychological impact on the person experiencing it. While it is tough to define definitively, PE is when you ejaculate before you want it to happen or if you are unable to stop or delay an orgasm. While this can mean climaxing in 30 seconds for some, it can mean 5-10 minutes for others. This condition can lead to feelings of embarrassment, frustration, low self-esteem and even anxiety. And this doesn’t just affect sexual well being, but your overall mental well-being as well. But it is important to know that it affects approximately 20 to 30 percent of men according to a study published in the International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine, and while it can cause distress, there are ways of coping with it.
Coping strategies
Education and understanding: By learning about premature ejaculation, you can dispel some of the embarrassment and anxiety associated with it, as it is a common issue and nothing that you should be ashamed of.
You should take the time to understand the causes, contributing factors and your treatment options so that you can take back a little control, and reduce the levels of anxiety you can have with this issue.
Open communication: PE can also affect our partners as much as it can affect ourselves. This is why you should have an honest and open conversation with your partner about this issue. Discussing your feelings, concerns and desires can help in relieving some stress and anxiety and give your partner the space to create a supportive and understanding environment.
Self care and stress management: By taking the time to engage in certain self-care activities like exercise, meditation, deep breathing and relaxation techniques, you can manage the stress and anxiety associated with PE.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that can help patients identify their negative thought patterns and beliefs. In the case of premature ejaculation, it can help in reframing negative self-perceptions and develop healthier attitudes towards sexual experiences.
Professional help: You can also seek assistance from healthcare professionals such as a urologist or sex therapist as they can identify underlying causes and recommend effective strategies. The best urologist or therapist will ensure that the treatment is tailored to your specific situation.
Join a support group: Seeking communities of people who face similar challenges can be beneficial as others can help reduce the stigma and frustration around PE. These groups can also help as many people will share their own experiences, advice and coping strategies. Overall, a support group, whether online or in real life, can help you find the emotional support you need.
Behavioral techniques: Employing certain behavioral techniques can once again allow you to feel a sense of control over the issue. Here are some that you can try:
Edging: This is also called the stop/start technique. This involves stimulating yourself or with a partner until you are close to an orgasm, and then stopping and cooling off for a while. You can use this extra time to engage in other activities, but resist the urge to keep any sensation on your penis. If you are with a partner, this is a great opportunity to focus on them for a bit. Over time, you will get better at holding off ejaculation
Pause and squeeze: Another way to train yourself to stop PE is by physically stopping yourself just before you finish. When you feel an urge to ejaculate, you should stop having sex or stimulating yourself, and simply squeeze the end of your penis just beneath the head. You should hold this until your body no longer wants to climax. Repeat this as much as necessary.
Consider seeking professional help
Remember that coping strategies will vary in effectiveness for each individual and so it is essential to find what works best for you. During this process, it is crucial that you are kind to yourself and are patient. A support system whether it is through a support group or an understanding partner can also go a long way in managing the psychological impact of premature ejaculation, as PE is a complex issue.
You should always consider consulting with a healthcare professional at a reliable urology clinic as they can provide appropriate guidance and treatment options that are tailored to your specific situation.
