Premature Ejaculation and Sexual Health - Help for a Leaky Manhood

Premature ejaculation can be a sticky problem, so to speak. It almost never has a single, obvious cause; and men who are affected may actually make matters worse by obsessing over the issue. Fortunately, understanding the potential causes and knowing how and when to get help can pave the way for better sexual health, both for the man who is affected and for his partner. To start with, the facts about premature ejaculation are discussed here.

What is premature ejaculation, anyway?

Loosely defined, this problem occurs whenever ejaculation takes place before both partners are ready. From a medical standpoint, doctors tend to describe it as ejaculation that takes place in under a minute of penetration. While the occasional slip may be nothing at all to worry about, when it happens on a consistent basis, it can be a matter of concern; men should not be embarrassed to address the problem with their doctor.

What causes men to ejaculate before they are ready?

There is no single underlying cause for this issue, and for most men, it can be related to a combination of factors, both psychological and physical. Some of the more common of these are as follows:

1. A past history of trying to ejaculate quickly to avoid getting "caught in the act."
2. Guilt or anxiety related to the act of sex; or performance anxiety.
3. Relationship problems.
4. Biological issues, including hormone levels, thyroid problems, and heredity.
5. Physiological issues such as nerve damage or withdrawal from certain medications.

What types of treatment are available?

Treating premature ejaculation depends mainly on the primary cause, and men and their partners should work with a medical professional to decide on the best form of treatment - usually a combination of self-help practices, therapy and possibly medications. Treatments may include:

• Masturbating an hour or two before having sex;
• The "squeeze" technique, where the man withdraws from his partner when he feels that ejaculation is imminent and squeezes the end of the penis;
• Counseling, either on an individual basis or, especially in the case of relationship issues, with both partners;
• Antidepressants (certain SSRIs used for treating depression and anxiety are known to help delay ejaculation. However, these medications can also lower libido levels, so they should be considered after other options;
• Topical anesthetic creams. Prescription or over-the-counter creams can sometimes provide a numbing effect, slowing down the process. However, as some of these are really not made for the delicate skin of the penis, caution - as well as medical supervision - is advised.

A final word: maintaining penis condition

As a man works to resolve his issues with premature ejaculation, some extra attention to penis care is warranted. Protecting the penile tissue from the ravages of masturbation or prolonged sex sessions may require a few extra steps in the daily personal care regimen.

To start with, it is important to make sure that the member is clean and fresh, both before and after. A daily shower can take care of this issue, and it is also a good idea to rinse away any accumulated spermicides, body fluids, or lubes, as leaving these behind can lead to irritation and sensitive skin reactions.

The right personal care products should be a consideration here. Soaps, shampoos and body washes are designed to clean away dirt and oils, so they can have a tendency to strip away the skin's natural oils in the process, leaving behind dry, itchy, rough-looking skin. Using a hypoallergenic cleanser, olive oil soap or even baby washes can help to eliminate this problem.

After bathing, applying a penis nutrient creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) is a must to lock in moisture, condition the skin, and leave the penis feeling and looking smooth, supple and appealing.

Visit www.man1health.com for more information about treating common penis health problems, including soreness, redness and loss of penis sensation. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous online web sites.

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