Premature ejaculation is a very common sexual issue, affecting millions of men at some time in their lives. It’s also a deeply troubling problem; premature ejaculation is one of the primary reasons that men seek medical care and couples seek counseling. Despite the prevalence of the problem, medical studies are just beginning to yield more information about this complex issue, and there is still much to learn. 
Due to increased interest, coming years may reveal more about premature ejaculation and men’s sexual response. But the man who is suffering right now has many questions as he seeks a cure for premature ejaculation. Here are some common questions and answers.
Q: What is premature ejaculation?
A: Most couples have penetrative sex for 7-13 minutes prior to ejaculation. When measured statistically, clinicians regard penetrative sex that lasts 2 minutes or less as early. However, the term premature is itself highly subjective, which is why premature ejaculation can be classified as either a syndrome or a complaint. As a syndrome, 2 minutes or less appears to be the defining characteristic. As a complaint, the actual time duration may vary, but ejaculation is occurring sooner than a man or his partner wants it to. On the one hand, it’s potentially a medical issue, and on the other hand it’s a subjective statement of desire and satisfaction. It’s just another way in which premature ejaculation is a complex issue.
Q: When is it most common?
A: There is a misconception that premature ejaculation affects only young men, and decreases with sexual experience. However, studies show that to be simply untrue. Early ejaculation affects about 30% of all adult men in all age ranges. There is a slight decrease in prevalence among men in their 40s, but then it increases again with age.
Q: Why does it happen?
A: There are many reasons why a man ejaculates earlier than he intends to. Subjective reasons may be a combination of factors: men tend to ejaculate sooner when it’s been a long time since they last had sex, when they are with a new partner, when they are under stress or experiencing anxiety, and when they are in the missionary position. However, premature ejaculation may also be a symptom of underlying medical issues. Abnormal hormone levels, thyroid problems, inflammation of the prostate, and infection of the urethra are just a few of the many medical causes for premature ejaculation. When early ejaculation is persistent, or if a man starts experiencing premature ejaculation without noticeable changes in his sex life or behavior, he should see a doctor to rule out physical causes.
Q: Who suffers from it?
A: Statistically, all men suffer from it at one time or another. For the man seeking a cure for premature ejaculation, he can take some comfort from knowing that he isn’t alone. And when a woman reassures a man by saying that it happens to everyone, she is probably speaking from experience.
Q: How to overcome it?
A: Of course, the biggest question is how to stop premature ejaculation. In the absence of a medical condition, there are many things a man can do to prolong his sexual experience and increase stamina. One approach is to increase muscle control and relaxation in the whole body; regular exercise and massages can help ease muscle tightness that contributes to premature ejaculation. And reducing stress not only alleviates premature ejaculation, but is good for overall health and wellbeing.
During sex, a man can focus on breathing deeply and relaxing. Relaxing the body and mind in the moment can help prolong ejaculation. And studies show that men reach orgasm more slowly when the woman is on top. If the orgasm is building too quickly, a man can stop and focus on his partner before resuming. Also, if a man has taken time to focus on his partner and satisfy her prior to penetration, it can increase a couple’s subjective sexual fulfillment and reduce anxiety related to the actual duration of intercourse.
Finally, consider trying a supplement that will increase stamina and control. Many natural ingredients have been shown to ease premature ejaculation and enhance a man’s sexual experience, and can be used to treat both long-term or occasional premature ejaculation in men.