Premature ejaculation is the most common form of sexual dysfunction in the country. In fact, many experts think it is probably the most common form of sexual dysfunction in the world. It’s an issue that has been a concern of men for many generations and is mentioned in even the oldest medical and sexual texts, including the infamous Kama Sutra.

With such a long history, there is a growing number of people who think that premature ejaculation may have a genetic component. In fact, there have even been researchers who have hypothesized that men with premature ejaculation were actually more likely to procreate over time making it something that could easily pass from one generation to the next.

At the same time, sex researchers and educators have developed a better understanding of this form of sexual dysfunction. We have all learned how much things like nutrition, emotional health, stress and overall; physical fitness can impact sexual performance. We have also seen how other medical conditions such as depression or diabetes can affect performance and, of course, the impact many medications have as well.

There is clearly an argument for premature ejaculation being both genetic and environmental. This begs the question: How do men know where to begin when it comes to developing a treatment plan?

As with any chronic condition, men who deal with premature ejaculation for many years will try just about anything to help treat the condition. The Holy Grail when it comes to treatment is, of course, uncovering the root cause of the problem. This usually requires trying a variety of different methods that address certain causes. The process is muddied by the fact that there is often more than just one cause. At the end of the day, it results in many men becoming frustrated, jumping from one treatment to another and just working to keep their head above water.

But the fact still remains – finding that root cause is the ultimate goal. Knowing about both genetic and environmental factors can help men approach the issue more logically. Asking the male relatives in your family isn’t always easy but, if possible, it’s one of the best ways to learn if genetics might be playing a role. Speaking to any male relative can help and it can often be approached as a part of asking about related conditions such as poor cardiovascular health, diabetes or chronic obesity.

Other direct genetic or medical issues that could be contributing to the episodes of premature ejaculation should also be looked at with a critical eye. Make a list of all the medications, supplements and over the counter pills you take on a regular basis. Discuss the list with your health care provider or pharmacist. He or she can help you spot potential interactions from these various pills. If something is found they can work with you to find a substitute or look for a way around that particular interaction or side effect.

Environmental factors can be examined more closely by breaking them down into groups such as anxiety, stress, nutrition, fitness and so on. Once you have them listed in categories you can begin to use specific methods of treatment which address each issue individually.  There can be a temptation to try a lot of things at once in order to solve the problem but that only results in short-term solutions. Instead, address one single issue at a time so that you have a better view of what works and what doesn’t. This will help you narrow down the possible environmental factors and learn which ones are having the biggest impact.

The fact is that premature ejaculation is more than likely the result of both genetic and environmental factors. While this can make developing an approach for treatment more of a challenge, it also offers some comfort to men who had previously been thinking they were just looking for one elusive solution.