Understanding Premature Ejaculation
1 in 3 men experience premature ejaculation, making it the most common sexual problem to affect men. [1]
The medical definition most doctors use to diagnose premature ejaculation is:
- Ejaculating always or nearly always within 1-minute of penetration.
- Being unable to delay ejaculation during sex all or nearly all of the time.
- Feeling bothered and frustrated by this and avoiding sex and intimacy as a result.[2]
There are two main types of premature ejaculation, both of which are treatable.
Type 1: Lifelong premature ejaculation.
This starts from a man’s first sexual experience and can continue throughout life if left untreated.[3]
Type 2: Acquired Premature Ejaculation.
This occurs in men who have previously had normal ejaculation times. It can begin at any time in a man’s life and is often linked to relationship troubles, stress, or erectile dysfunction.[1]
Is Premature Ejaculation Permanent?
Ejaculating quickly is not an insurmountable problem and there are several ways you can manage it if you’re willing to talk about it and consider treatment options. Remember, despite your fears, partners can be understanding and will often be happy to work with you to overcome your challenge or find ways to enjoy sex despite it.
What are the causes of hair loss?
Testosterone and DHT - The Major Culprits of MPB
Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT affects various organs, including hair follicles.[5] Hair loss is not directly caused by DHT production but rather by an inherited sensitivity to DHT. Individuals with a high genetic sensitivity to DHT are more prone to hair follicle weakening.[6] DHT shrinks hair follicles and shortens the hair growth cycle, resulting in thinner, more brittle hair that falls out faster.[7] It also delays the growth of new hairs after old ones fall out. Certain behaviours, such as using creatine supplements, resistance and weight training, or taking anabolic steroids, can increase DHT levels and exacerbate hair loss.[8]
Ageing
Hair thinning is a natural aspect of ageing, known as involutional alopecia, where hormonal changes slow hair growth and reduce the number of hair strands. This process affects both men and women, with women often experiencing it after menopause.[9]
Chronic Stress
During periods of chronic stress or trauma, temporary hair loss, termed telogen effluvium, can occur.[10]
Certain medications and illnesses
Some medications and illnesses can lead to hair loss. Common medications for conditions like acne, high cholesterol, and depression may have rare side effects such as hair loss.[11] Illnesses such as thyroid disorders, eating disorders, iron deficiency anaemia, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis can also cause hair loss.[12]
The Causes of Premature Ejaculation
Psychological causes
Your mental state can affect how long you can last in the bedroom, including: performance anxiety, stress, depression and relationship problems.[1,4,5,6]
Physical causes
For men with lifelong premature ejaculation, it could be: [7,8,9,10]
- Low serotonin levels in the brain.
- Increased sensitivity of the penis and a lower ejaculatory threshold
For men with acquired premature ejaculation, it could be: [11,12,13,14]
- Inflammation and infection in the prostate or urethra (the tube that allows urine to pass out of the body)
- Injury to the pelvic region
- Injury to the nervous system
- Abnormal levels of certain hormones, such as too much testosterone or low thyroid levels
- Side effects from certain medications