Delayed ejaculation is a sexual function issue in which a man struggles to reach orgasm or is unable to ejaculate.

Healthy sexual activity can improve overall wellbeing and happiness. During intercourse, orgasm in men (which often coincides with ejaculation) triggers the release of oxytocin. This secreted hormone can increase mood, strengthen emotional connection, increase satisfaction, and support immune function.

What Does Normal Ejaculation Look Like?

In men, ejaculation commonly accompanies orgasm, although some men can have an orgasm without releasing semen.

Ejaculation occurs when semen is expelled, produced by the prostate, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral glands. Semen not only carries sperm, it also contains multiple components such as citric acid, cholesterol, mucus, and water.

Most men typically ejaculate within about 5 to 10 minutes of intercourse. Research also reports that the average time to ejaculation after penetration is roughly 5.5 minutes.

Understanding Delayed Ejaculation

When ejaculation happens in under 1 to 1.5 minutes after penetration, it is considered premature ejaculation. If it takes more than 30 minutes to ejaculate, it is referred to as delayed ejaculation.

Delayed ejaculation may stem from psychological influences, biological factors, or both acting together. In some cases, this condition is lifelong, making orgasm consistently difficult to achieve.

Biological Factors Behind Delayed Ejaculation

Some causes are linked to a man’s physical health, including:

• Side effects from certain medicines, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, blood pressure treatments, pain relievers, or other medications
• Alcohol or recreational drug misuse
• Hormonal shifts, such as low testosterone levels
• Hyperprolactinemia, which means elevated prolactin
• Prostate issues, for example prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
• Nervous system disorders, including stroke, spinal cord injury, or advanced diabetes
• Older age, which can reduce penile sensitivity to stimulation

Psychological Factors Behind Delayed Ejaculation

If a man can ejaculate normally but has trouble doing so during intercourse with a partner, psychological influences may be involved. Beyond physical health, mental and emotional factors can also contribute, including:

• A history of sexual trauma, difficulty forming emotional bonds, parental abandonment, or negative experiences and beliefs about sexual activity
• Unresolved anger
• Reduced ability to take pleasure in enjoyable activities
• Religious convictions that shape views on sex
• Anxiety about harming a partner, worries about semen
• Fear of pregnancy
• Loss of self-confidence that fuels performance anxiety

Although delayed ejaculation does not threaten life, you should see a urologist if you cannot ejaculate despite adequate stimulation. A specialist can identify whether the issue is primarily physical, psychological, or a mix of both.

Your doctor may suggest medications to help with symptoms, and may also recommend therapy and counseling, either individually or with your partner.

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