Delayed ejacul*tion - Symptoms and causes (2024)

Overview

Delayed ejacul*tion — sometimes called impaired ejacul*tion — is a condition in which it takes an extended period of sexual stimulation for men to reach sexual climax and release sem*n from the penis (ejacul*te). Some men with delayed ejacul*tion are unable to ejacul*te at all.

Delayed ejacul*tion can be temporary or a lifelong problem. Possible causes of delayed ejacul*tion include certain chronic health conditions, surgeries and medications. Treatment for delayed ejacul*tion depends on the underlying cause.

It's normal for men to have delayed ejacul*tion from time to time. Delayed ejacul*tion is only a problem if it's ongoing or causes stress for you or your partner.

Symptoms

Some men with delayed ejacul*tion need 30 minutes or more of sexual stimulation to have an org*sm and ejacul*te. Other men might not be able to ejacul*te at all (anejacul*tion).

But, there's no specific time that indicates a diagnosis of delayed ejacul*tion. Instead, you are probably experiencing delayed ejacul*tion if the delay is causing distress or frustration, or if you have to stop sexual activity due to fatigue, physical irritation, loss of erection or a request from your partner.

Often, men might have difficulty reaching org*sm during sexual intercourse or other sexual activities with a partner. Some men can ejacul*te only when masturbating.

Delayed ejacul*tion is divided into the following types based on symptoms:

• Lifelong vs. acquired. With lifelong delayed ejacul*tion, the problem is present from the time of sexual maturity. Acquired delayed ejacul*tion occurs after a period of normal sexual functioning.
• Generalized vs. situational. Generalized delayed ejacul*tion isn't limited to certain sex partners or certain kinds of stimulation. Situational delayed ejacul*tion occurs only under certain circ*mstances.

These categories help in diagnosing an underlying cause and determining what might be the most effective treatment.

When to see a doctor

Your primary care doctor is a good place to start when you have delayed ejacul*tion. See your doctor if:

• Delayed ejacul*tion is an issue for you or your partner
• You have another known health problem that might be linked to delayed ejacul*tion, or you take medications that could be causing the problem
• You have other symptoms along with delayed ejacul*tion that might or might not seem related

Causes

Delayed ejacul*tion can result from medications, certain chronic health conditions and surgeries. Or it might be caused by substance misuse or a mental health concern, such as depression, anxiety or stress. In many cases, it is due to a combination of physical and psychological concerns.

Psychological causes of delayed ejacul*tion include:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
• Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns
• Anxiety about performance
• Poor body image
• Cultural or religious taboos
• Differences between the reality of sex with a partner and sexual fantasies

Medications and other substances that can cause delayed ejacul*tion include:

• Some antidepressants
• Certain high blood pressure medications
• Certain diuretics
• Some antipsychotic medications
• Some anti-seizure medications
• Alcohol — particularly drinking too much (excessive alcohol use or alcoholism)

Physical causes of delayed ejacul*tion include:

• Certain birth defects affecting the male reproductive system
• Injury to the pelvic nerves that control org*sm
• Certain infections, such as a urinary tract infection
• Prostate surgery, such as transurethral resection of the prostate or prostate removal
• Neurological diseases, such as diabetic neuropathy, stroke or nerve damage to the spinal cord
• Hormone-related conditions, such as low thyroid hormone level (hypothyroidism) or low testosterone level (hypogonadism)
• Retrograde ejacul*tion, a condition in which the sem*n goes backward into the bladder rather than out of the penis

For some men, a minor physical problem that causes a delay in ejacul*tion might cause anxiety about ejacul*ting during a sexual encounter. The resulting anxiety might worsen delayed ejacul*tion.

Risk factors

A number of things can increase your risk of having delayed ejacul*tion, including:

• Older age — as men age, it's normal for ejacul*tion 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 ejacul*tion 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)

Request an appointment

Diagnosis & treatment

Print

Related

Delayed ejacul*tion

• Symptoms & causes
• Diagnosis & treatment
• Doctors & departments