Delayed ejaculation (DE) is a common medical condition. Also called “impaired ejaculation,” this condition occurs when it takes a prolonged period of sexual stimulation for a man to ejaculate.

In some cases, ejaculation cannot be achieved at all. Most men experience DE from time to time, but for others it may be a lifelong problem.

While this condition does not pose any serious medical risks, it can be a source of stress and may create problems in your sex life and personal relationships. 

Symptoms of DE:

  • Delayed ejaculation occurs when a man needs more than 30 minutes of sexual stimulation to reach orgasm and ejaculate. Ejaculation is when semen is discharged from the penis. 
  • Some men can only ejaculate with manual or oral stimulation. Some cannot ejaculate at all.
  • A lifelong problem with DE is very different from a problem that develops later in life. Some men have a generalized problem in which DE occurs in all sexual situations.
  • For other men, it only occurs with certain partners or in certain circumstances. This is known as “situational delayed ejaculation.”
  • In rare cases, DE is a sign of a worsening health problem such as heart disease or diabetes.

Causes of DE:

  •  Anxiety and depression can both suppress sexual desire, which may result in DE as well.
  • Relationship stress, poor communication, and anger can make DE worse. 
  • Disappointment in sexual realities with a partner compared to sexual fantasies can also result in DE. 
  • Often, men with this problem can ejaculate during masturbation but not during stimulation with a partner.
  • Certain chemicals can affect the nerves involved in ejaculation. This can affect ejaculation with and without a partner.  Like antidepressants medicine, Diuretics, alcohol.
  • Surgeries or trauma may also cause DE. The physical causes of DE may include: damage to the nerves in your spine or pelvis.
  • certain prostate surgeries that cause nerve damage
  • heart disease that affects blood pressure to the pelvic region
  • infections, especially prostate or urinary infections
  • neuropathy or strokelow thyroid hormonelow testosterone levels
  • birth defects that impair the ejaculation process

Risk factors

A number of things can increase your risk of having delayed ejaculation, including:

  • Older age — as men age, it's normal for ejaculation to take longer.
  • Psychological conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
  • Medical conditions, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
  • Certain medical treatments, such as prostate surgery.
  • Medications, particularly certain antidepressants, high blood pressure medications or diuretics.
  • Relationship problems, such as poor communication with your partner.
  • Excessive alcohol use, especially if you're a long-term heavy drinker.

Complications:

Complications of delayed ejaculation can include:

  • Diminished sexual pleasure for you and your partner.
  • Stress or anxiety about sexual performance.
  • Marital or relationship problems due to an unsatisfactory sex life.
  • Inability to get your partner pregnant (male infertility).

Diagnosis

A physical exam and medical history might be all that are needed to recommend treatment for delayed ejaculation.

Treatment

Delayed ejaculation treatment depends on the underlying cause, but it might include taking a medication or making changes to medications you currently take, undergoing psychological counseling, or addressing alcohol or illegal drug use.