Delayed Ejaculation – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

What Is Delayed Ejaculation?

Delayed ejaculation occurs when a person needs an extended period of sexual stimulation to reach orgasm and release semen. In some cases, ejaculation may not happen at all. This condition can be temporary or last throughout someone’s life.

Several factors can lead to delayed ejaculation:

  • Ongoing health problems
  • Past surgical procedures
  • Medication side effects

This condition isn’t always a problem. It only becomes a medical concern when it persists over time and creates stress or worry for the person or their partner. Treatment options vary based on what’s causing the delay.

Symptoms

Delayed ejaculation occurs when it takes an unusually long time to reach orgasm and ejaculate during sexual activity.

Some people might need extended periods of sexual stimulation to reach orgasm, while others may not be able to ejaculate at all (anejaculation).

The key factor in diagnosing delayed ejaculation is whether it causes distress. It might lead to stopping sexual activity due to:

  • Physical fatigue
  • Irritation
  • Loss of erection
  • Partner’s decision to stop

Many people with this condition struggle to reach orgasm during partnered sexual activities. Some can only ejaculate during masturbation, while others may not be able to ejaculate even when masturbating.

Delayed ejaculation is categorized into different types:

Type Description
Lifelong Present since sexual maturity
Acquired Develops after a period of normal sexual function
Generalized Occurs with all partners and situations
Situational Happens only under specific circumstances

When To See a Doctor

It’s important to consult your healthcare provider if delayed ejaculation is causing problems for you or your partner. Make an appointment if:

  • The condition is causing distress in your relationship
  • You have other health conditions that might be connected to delayed ejaculation
  • You take medications that could be affecting your ejaculation
  • You experience additional symptoms alongside delayed ejaculation

Your primary healthcare provider can help determine the cause and suggest appropriate treatment options.

What Causes Delayed Ejaculation

Delayed ejaculation can stem from both physical and psychological factors. Often, it results from a combination of these issues rather than a single cause.

Psychological Causes

  • Depression or anxiety disorders
  • Relationship stress or communication problems
  • Performance anxiety during sexual activity
  • Negative body image feelings
  • Religious or cultural beliefs about sex
  • Gap between sexual fantasies and real-life experiences

Medication-Related Causes

  • Antidepressants
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Diuretics (water pills)
  • Antipsychotic drugs
  • Seizure medications
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

Physical Causes

  • Birth Defects: Can impact reproductive system function.
  • Pelvic Nerve Damage: Disrupts signals controlling orgasm.
  • Infections: UTIs can interfere with normal function.
  • Prostate Procedures: Surgery can affect ejaculatory pathways.
  • Neurological Problems: Diabetic neuropathy, stroke, spinal cord damage.
  • Hormone Imbalances: Low thyroid or testosterone levels.

Retrograde ejaculation, where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis, can also cause delayed or absent ejaculation. This condition makes it seem like little or no semen is released during orgasm.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise your chances of experiencing delayed ejaculation:

  • Age: Older men typically take longer to ejaculate.
  • Mental Health Issues: Depression and anxiety.
  • Physical Conditions: Diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
  • Surgical Procedures: Especially prostate operations.
  • Medications: Including antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and diuretics.
  • Relationship Difficulties: Communication problems with partners.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Particularly long-term heavy drinking.

These factors can affect the complex physical and psychological processes involved in male sexual function.

Problems That May Arise

Delayed ejaculation can create several difficulties in a person’s life. When someone has trouble reaching orgasm or ejaculating, it often leads to less enjoyment during sex for both partners. This can be frustrating for everyone involved.

The condition may also cause mental stress. Many people feel anxious or worried about their performance during intimate moments. These feelings can make the problem worse over time.

Relationship troubles often develop when sexual issues aren’t addressed. Partners might feel rejected or blame themselves for the problem. This can lead to arguments and distance between couples.

Common complications include:

  • Reduced sexual satisfaction
  • Anxiety about sexual performance
  • Tension in relationships
  • Fertility challenges

For couples trying to have children, delayed ejaculation can make conception difficult. If sperm cannot be delivered naturally, it may require medical help to achieve pregnancy.

These problems don’t always happen to everyone with delayed ejaculation. However, recognizing these possible complications early can help people seek appropriate care and support.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.