Delayed ejaculation refers to an inhibition of ejaculation. The male is unable to ejaculate, either during intercourse, or with manual stimulation in the presence of a partner.
Alternative Names
Ejaculatory incompetence; Sex - delayed ejaculation; Retarded ejaculation
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Most men ejaculate within 2 to 4 minutes after onset of active thrusting in intercourse. Men with retarded ejaculation may be entirely unable to ejaculate in some circumstances (for example, during intercourse), or may only be able to ejaculate with great effort and after prolonged intercourse (for example 30 to 45 minutes).
The most common causes are psychological. Common psychological causes include:
- A strict religious background causing the person to view sex as sinful
- Lack of attraction for a partner
- Conditioning caused by unique or atypical masturbation patterns
- Traumatic events (such as being discovered in masturbation or illicit sex, or learning one's partner is having an affair)
Some factors, such as anger toward the partner, may be involved; however, organic causes are sometimes present. A variety of drugs (such as Prozac, Mellaril and guanethidine) can impair ejaculation. Neurological disease such as strokes or nerve damage to the spinal cord or back may also cause a delay in or inability to ejaculate.
