Overview and Facts about Ejaculatory Disorders
Ejaculatory disorders affect a man's ability to release semen. In some cases, ejaculation can occur too soon or too late. In others, semen may flow backward into the bladder.
Problems with ejaculation are sometimes a sign of a bladder problem, although some ejaculatory disorders result from emotional stress. Anxiety often affects your ability to reach orgasm and experience normal ejaculation.
Symptoms and Signs of Ejaculatory Disorders
Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common ejaculatory disorders. Men who experience PE may ejaculate shortly following sexual stimulation. Delayed ejaculation, another common ejaculatory disorder, can make it hard to ejaculate even with stimulation.
Retrograde ejaculation or anejaculation are less common ejaculatory disorders. With these conditions, little or no semen flows out of the penis after orgasm.
Some men may need more or less sexual stimulation than others to achieve orgasm. There is no "normal" time limit for this process. However, if you feel distress, frustration or are upset by your symptoms, you may have an ejaculatory disorder.
Causes and Risk Factors of Ejaculatory Disorders
Ejaculatory disorders are often linked to temporary medical or personal problems. Your symptoms may increase during times of high stress or anxiety.
Prescription medications can also cause problems with ejaculation. Diuretics, antidepressants, and high blood pressure medications can all trigger ejaculatory disorders. Drinking too much alcohol may also affect your ejaculation.
In rare cases, problems with ejaculation can be a sign of a serious health problem. Neurological diseases, tumors, and hormone-related conditions can cause libido changes or problems with ejaculation.
Aging is another important factor. As you age, you may have trouble becoming aroused or ejaculation may take longer. If these symptoms are distressing, your doctor may be able to help.
Tests and Diagnosis of Ejaculatory Disorders
Your doctor will take a complete medical history to determine what's causing your symptoms. He or she may ask how long you've been experiencing your symptoms and whether anything makes them better or worse.
Ejaculatory disorders can be lifelong or acquired. With lifelong ejaculatory disorders, you may experience symptoms from puberty onward, while acquired disorders appear later in life. Often, they develop after you have already experienced normal sexual function.
Some ejaculatory disorders may also be situational. You may experience symptoms in some situations but not others. Generalized disorders, however, cause problems with ejaculation no matter the circumstance or setting.
During your exam, your doctor will gather information to determine what kind of ejaculatory disorder you have.
Treatment and Care for Ejaculatory Disorders
If you have a problem with your ejaculation, your doctor may suggest medication or counseling. Mental health services can help you manage your anxiety and improve your self-image.
If your symptoms are causing tension in your relationship, couples counseling may help. A qualified therapist can help you and your partner work through your difficulties and improve your communication.
Medication can also help treat many ejaculatory disorders. If taking a medicine that may worsen these disorders, your doctor may suggest lowering the dose.
