Premature ejaculation occurs when you ejaculate (cum) earlier than you or your partner would like during sex. It’s a common problem, affecting 30% to 40% of people with a penis. Causes include physical problems, chemical imbalances and emotional/psychological factors. Treatments include learning techniques to delay ejaculation, counselling and medications.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a type of sexual dysfunction that occurs when a person has an orgasm and ejaculates sooner than they or their partner would like. It often happens before or shortly after penetration during intercourse. Premature ejaculation can be a frustrating experience for both you and your sexual partner and make your sex lives less enjoyable. PE can be lifelong, meaning you’ve had it since your first sexual experience. It can also be acquired, which means you’ve had sex previously where PE wasn’t an issue.

Many healthcare providers would define premature ejaculation as ejaculating within one minute of beginning intercourse. The exact timing for premature ejaculation varies and only your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis.

Between 30% and 40% of people experience premature ejaculation at some point in their lives. It’s the most common type of sexual dysfunction in people with a penis, with about 1 in 5 people between the ages of 18 and 59 reporting premature ejaculation.