Causes of Premature Ejaculation: Understanding the Factors Behind Early Climax

August 16, 2021

4 mins

Premature ejaculation (PE) can be one of the more sexually frustrating issues for men in the bedroom. PE is when a man ejaculates earlier than wanted or expected during sex, and 1 in 3 men are said to have experienced it at some point. A premature ejaculation diagnosis can be classified as lifelong or acquired.

Try not to be worried about premature ejaculation if it happens to you every once in a while, as it is a completely normal experience for men. There are many reasons as to why premature ejaculation can occur, most of which are  not a cause for concern. 

However, if you are ejaculating prematurely more often than not, you cannot delay your ejaculation, and you feel distressed and avoid sex because of your PE, it may be time to talk to a medical professional. Fortunately, various effective treatments are available if PE is taking a toll on your sexual relationships. 

Experts aren’t entirely sure why men struggle with this sexual dysfunction, but what is clear is that PE is a multifactorial issue. Both psychological and biological factors play a key role. 

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Psychological Factors 

There are a number of psychological factors that can contribute to premature ejaculation in men. 

Anxiety and performance pressure

If you get anxious about your sexual performance, it’s possible that PE can occur. The pressures of delaying your ejaculation to enhance sexual satisfaction can cause you to overthink and focus on not ejaculating. 

If you avoid thinking about sex as a task you are being judged on – and in turn focus on your partner and the enjoyment you’re both experiencing – you can reduce your chances of premature ejaculation.

Depression and stress

Your mental health can play a large role in all aspects of your life – even your sex life. Depression and stress are leading causes of PE in men, and researchers have found that the relationship between depression and premature ejaculation is bidirectional. 

This means that just as depression can cause PE, PE can cause depression — creating a negative feedback loop between the two. 

Stress can also limit your ability to delay your ejaculation. When you’re not relaxed and present during sex, it can be difficult to control your ejaculation. 

Relationship issues and unresolved conflicts

Relationship problems can affect sexual performance and lead to early climax. They can also increase stress levels and make you feel disconnected from your partner. 

Mutual understanding and communication can help you resolve your issues and potentially improve your sex life. 

Body image and self-esteem

Low self-esteem can majorly impact sexual functioning. Having body image issues can add to depression, anxiety, and stress, causing you to experience premature ejaculation. Learning to embrace who you are, and finding ways to up your confidence, can help you enjoy sex more and last longer. 

Biological Factors 

Physiological factors and underlying health conditions may be the cause of premature ejaculation.

Neurotransmitter imbalances

Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates mood and emotions. Imbalances in serotonin levels can affect ejaculation control. When the chemicals in your brain aren’t operating regularly, it can influence your mood and emotions, putting you in a position where you might lose the ability to control when you ejaculate. 

Genetics

Experts have begun to explore the role of genetic factors in predisposing individuals to PE. 

Various genes are said to be linked to this disorder, including the dopamine transporter gene, the androgen receptor, which regulates the development and growth of the prostate, and the oxytocin gene – otherwise known as the love hormone.

These genes are all linked to receptors involved in the psychological or physiological process having to do with an orgasm. Men who have these gene variations may likely experience premature ejaculation. 

Hormonal abnormalities

Hormonal imbalances can contribute to premature ejaculation. Testosterone is an important hormone connected to ejaculation control.

Studies have found that men with abnormally high levels or low levels of testosterone experience PE. It was also found that men with endocrine disorders are more likely to experience premature ejaculation, as their hormones are also not regulated. 

Prostate or thyroid issues

Certain medical conditions can play a central role in ejaculation control. 

Research has shown that chronic prostatitis can cause premature ejaculation. 

Hyperthyroidism – a condition in which the thyroid creates excess thyroid hormones – has been clinically linked to PE.  

Talk to your doctor if you suspect prostate or thyroid issues are contributing to your premature ejaculation. REX MD can help you find effective treatment for premature ejaculation. 

Lifestyle Factors 

Your lifestyle can also be partly responsible for your premature ejaculation. 

Substance abuse

Alcohol, drugs, and smoking are all known factors that impact sexual performance.

Excessive quantities of alcohol and recreational drugs may contribute to PE. Drugs and alcohol cause you to lose control of certain aspects of your brain while you are under the influence, and you can lose the ability to delay your climax. 

Prolonged alcohol and drug abuse can have adverse effects on your body. Over time, substance abuse can lead to decreased sexual function, which may result in PE. 

Antidepressants – and other serotonin inhibitors – have been linked to premature ejaculation, as neurological imbalances can affect control over orgasm.

Lack of physical activity

Research suggests that men who exercise regularly experience PE less often compared to those who tend to be more sedentary.

Regular exercise not only helps in the maintenance of a healthy physique, but it supports mental health by increasing serotonin in the brain and boosting energy levels. 

Poor dietary habits

An unhealthy diet can also have an effect on sexual function. Poor eating habits can increase your risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and even obesity. 

These conditions can affect hormone balance, blood flow, and mental health, which we know lead to PE. Maintaining healthy habits promotes overall health, which in turn can improve sexual function.

Sleep disorders

Sleep disorders or poor sleep quality are possible risk factors for premature ejaculation. 

Insomnia and other sleep disorders may occur in men with depression. Serotonin is heavily linked to sleep and ejaculation, and its levels decrease significantly when you’re deprived of sleep. 

If you tend to struggle with sleep, or have a diagnosed sleep disorder, it may be contributing to  your ejaculation dysfunction. With REX MD, you can get a diagnosis and receive treatment for your insomnia or other sleep disorder from a licensed medical professional. 

Relationship Dynamics 

Relationship dynamics can play a role in premature ejaculation.

Again, your relationship dynamics and PE are a two-way street; they affect each other significantly. 

Having insecurities or conflicts in your relationship can cause you to disassociate during sex and limit you from controlling your ejaculation. This can cause tension in your relationship. Healthy relationship dynamics may help you ejaculate at a time that satisfies both you and your partner. 

Communication issues

Talk to your partner about premature ejaculation and the effect it may be having on your relationship. 

Open communication about sex — and during sex — add a level of trust and emotional intimacy to the relationship, which in turn can allow you both to feel more comfortable. This can reduce any stresses or anxiety about your sexual concerns and help you control your orgasm. 

Lack of sexual compatibility

It’s also important to discuss sexual preferences and desires, as they can affect ejaculation control. Honesty and mutual understanding can help you find solutions that benefit you both. 

Does Masturbation Cause Premature Ejaculation?

It is a misconception that masturbation directly causes premature ejaculation; there is no potential link between excessive masturbation and PE.

Controlled masturbation can be a strategy in preventing PE. Learning how to better control your ejaculation while on your own may carry over when you’re with your partner. 

When Should I Talk to a Doctor About PE?

Premature ejaculation is a complex condition that can be influenced by psychological, biological, and lifestyle factors. Understanding the many contributors to PE can help you identify what may be causing it for you. 

Talk to a licensed medical professional about premature ejaculation and how it affects you.  A doctor or nurse practitioner can help determine if PE meds are the right treatment option for you. 

REX MD can help you access prescription meds from the comfort of home, ordered right on your phone and delivered discreetly to your door.