Finishing fast? Here’s what that means.

The act of sexual intercourse is meant to be a shared, enjoyable experience, but for many couples, sexual concerns exist. Men finishing fast (or orgasming/ejaculating too quickly) can cause frustration, embarrassment and stress. This is known as premature ejaculation (PE) and is one of the most common sexual concerns worldwide, with a self-reported experience of about 1 in 3 men[1]. PE is defined as reaching orgasm sooner than desired, within 1 minute of penetration if lifelong premature ejaculation (since first intercourse) or within 3 minutes of penetration if acquired premature ejaculation (at any other time in a person’s life), together with the inability to delay ejaculation and the presence of distress.

Why does it happen?

Rapid ejaculation can occasionally occur, but if it persistently occurs, there may be an underlying problem. Reasons as to why some men experience PE, and can include:

1. Psychological factors: This is the most common reason and includes anxiety, stress, depression or relationship issues. Performance anxiety, which is the fear of not satisfying your partner, can also cause PE.

2. Biological factors: Some men have a heightened sensitivity in the genital area that can result in PE. Hormonal imbalances and inflammation of certain organs of the male reproductive tract such as the prostrate and the urethra can also be an underlying cause of PE.

3. Medical conditions: Erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to get and maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse, can also co-exist with PE. Some men with ED tend to rush intercourse, reinforcing PE.

What can help?

PE can be extremely distressing for those experiencing it, however with a combination of therapy, techniques and medication, PE can be effectively managed.

Techniques used:

• Start-stop method – Pause any sexual activity when close to orgasm and then resume once the urge subsides.

• Squeeze technique – Gently press the penile head when close to orgasm to reduce arousal.

• Pelvic floor exercises – This will strengthen the muscles that control ejaculation and improves endurance.

• Condoms – Wearing a condom can reduce sensation thereby reducing arousal, and some condoms also contain numbing agents to help prolong sexual intercourse.

Therapy types:

• Sex therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help reduce anxiety associated with sexual intercourse and improve confidence.

• Couples counselling can encourage communication and reduce relationship stress.

Medications:

• After consulting a medical doctor, medicines such as numbing creams or sprays (that have lidocaine or prilocaine), certain antidepressants (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and medications that treat ED (such as sildenafil), may help improve PE.

Lifestyle changes:

• Regular exercise, a balanced diet, reducing alcohol and smoking, and managing stress can support better sexual function.

PE is extremely common and whilst it can cause a strain on relationships, is nothing to be ashamed of. From simple techniques like the start–stop method to professional counselling and medical treatments, men have many options to regain control and confidence. If PE is frequent and distressing, the best step is to consult a healthcare provider, who can tailor treatment to individual needs.

Sexual health is part of overall well-being, and addressing concerns like premature ejaculation can lead to more satisfying, connected relationships.

If you or someone you know premature ejaculation or have any sexual concerns, please seek medical advice. Contact the Bloom Medical Clinic at the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (+94 779895252, No. 37/27, Bullers Lane, Colombo-07) for further medical advice from a healthcare professional.