Having an early climax during sex is a common issue that many men face. While it can be frustrating and embarrassing in the moment, there are some underlying reasons why it happens as well as strategies to help prolong arousal and delay ejaculation.
Common Causes
Here are some of the most common reasons why men may experience premature ejaculation during their first round of sex:
- Hypersensitivity – The penis may be extremely sensitive to physical stimulation, causing men to get aroused very quickly.
- Lack of experience – Men who are less sexually experienced may get over-excited and climax faster.
- Performance anxiety – Nervousness about satisfying a partner can hasten arousal and lead to premature ejaculation.
- Novelty of the experience – Having sex with a new partner for the first time can increase arousal and shorten time to ejaculation.
- Abstinence – After going through a period of no sex, men may get more easily stimulated.
- Thinner condoms – Increased sensitivity from thinner condoms can make men climax faster.
- Medications – Certain antidepressants and high blood pressure medications can premature ejaculation as a side effect.
Biological Factors
In addition to psychological and situational causes, there are some biological factors that can lead to fast ejaculation times:
- Hormone levels – Higher testosterone levels increase sexual sensitivity and arousal.
- Reflexes – Some men may have stronger reflexes in the ejaculatory system that speed up climax.
- Sensitivity – Men with oversensitive penile skin and glans may get aroused quicker from stimulation.
- Vasopressin – Higher levels of this hormone have been associated with premature ejaculation.
- Evolution – From an evolutionary perspective, ejaculating quickly increases chances of spreading genetic material.
Age and Experience
Younger men and those with less sexual experience tend to ejaculate more quickly compared to older men. Here’s a look at how age impacts typical ejaculation times:
| Age Range | Average Time to Ejaculation |
|---|---|
| 18-30 years old | 2-5 minutes |
| 30-50 years old | 5-10 minutes |
| 50+ years old | 10-20 minutes |
As men get older and gain more sexual experience, they generally learn greater control over arousal and can prolong time to ejaculation.
Strategies to Prolong Arousal
If you regularly experience premature ejaculation, here are some techniques you can try to last longer during first round sex:
- Masturbate before sex – Masturbating to climax a few hours before intercourse lowers arousal during sex.
- Use thicker condoms – Thicker condoms reduce penile sensitivity and provide greater control.
- Try desensitizing lubricants – These contain mild anesthetics like lidocaine to temporarily make the penis less sensitive.
- Focus on foreplay – Spend more time on foreplay to satisfy your partner before penetration.
- Slow and shallow thrusts – Keeping thrusts slow and shallow during intercourse helps maintain control.
- Take pauses – Pausing during intercourse lets arousal dissipate before continuing.
- Masturbate together – Masturbating in front of your partner helps get more comfortable with them.
- Try ED medications – These can treat premature ejaculation by allowing greater control over erections.
- See a sex therapist – Get guidance on techniques to control arousal and last longer in bed.
Medical Treatments
If behavioral strategies aren’t working, talk to your doctor about medical solutions for premature ejaculation including:
- Topical anesthetics – Lidocaine sprays or creams work locally to reduce penile sensitivity.
- Antidepressants – SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants help delay ejaculation as a side effect.
- Phosphodiesterase inhibitors – Drugs like Viagra allow better control over erections.
- Injectable anesthetics – Lidocaine injections into the penis can temporarily prevent fast climax.
Relationship Impacts
Premature ejaculation can negatively affect relationships and intimacy between partners. However, being open about the issue and patiently trying solutions to prolong arousal can help couples maintain a healthy sex life. Some effective relationship strategies include:
- Communicating openly – Let your partner know if you climax sooner than desired so you can discuss it.
- Prioritizing intimacy – Work together to ensure intimacy doesn’t revolve only around penetration.
- Taking time – Be patient trying different techniques to control ejaculation without getting frustrated.
- Alternating positions – Switch up sexual positions and techniques to help prolonged arousal.
- Seeing a counselor – Get guidance from a sex therapist, relationship counselor, or doctor.
Conclusion
Premature ejaculation is common for men but can get better over time with experience. Paying attention to the causes and learning techniques to control arousal and delay climax can help improve sexual experiences. Being patient and communicating with your partner are also key to maintaining intimacy while working to prolong ejaculation issues. Seeking medical or professional help is advised if problems persist.