Can Erectile Dysfunction Cause Premature Ejaculation?

Sexual health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and difficulties in sexual performance can have a significant impact on one’s self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life.

Both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation are common issues affecting adult men. In fact, more than half the men suffer from some form of erectile dysfunction globally.

However, did you know that erectile dysfunction can cause premature ejaculation? Research has shown close links between the two conditions, and that one condition can lead to another—but not in the way that you may think.

Let’s uncover how erectile dysfunction causes premature ejaculation, and how you can treat erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation appropriately.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual dysfunction marked by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. It can stem from both physical and psychological sources, and while it primarily affects older men, men of any age can have this condition.

Erections are a healthy physical response to sexual arousal in the brain. The brain signals for blood to flow to the penis through the vessels. The increased blood flow fills the erectile chambers, subsequently causing the penis to become erect.

While most men have healthy erections, people with erectile dysfunction often face a problem sustaining an erection. This can be caused by many lifestyle choices and health issues, such as chronic diseases, drinking, hormonal imbalances, medications, nerve damage, and smoking.

What is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is a sexual dysfunction wherein men cannot delay their ejaculation during sexual activity. This phenomenon is a problem when it consistently happens during sex and can lead to unsatisfactory sexual experiences for one or both partners.

The cause of premature ejaculation can be attributed to biological and mental factors. Men may suffer from hormonal imbalances which cause them to ejaculate earlier than usual. Premature ejaculation can also be caused by unmanaged anxiety and stress.

How Does Erectile Dysfunction Cause Premature Ejaculation?

While these two conditions can and typically occur independently of each other, erectile dysfunction may lead to acquired premature ejaculation.

Here are some cases in which these two conditions can overlap:

• Performance anxiety: Erectile dysfunction can cause men to be worried or anxious about their sex life, resulting in a heightened state of arousal and increased sensitivity, potentially triggering an early ejaculation.
• Rushing to ejaculation: Men with erectile dysfunction may feel pressured to finish before losing their erection due to fear or uncertainty about maintaining an erection long enough. As such, they may rush through, leading to premature ejaculation.
• Overcompensation: Men with erectile dysfunction may try to compensate for their erection issues with quick ejaculations to feel that they are fulfilling their partner’s expectations despite the lack of a sustained erection.

If you face any of these problems, it’s important to speak up to a professional regarding these sexual dysfunctions.

3 Ways To Treat Premature Ejaculation

Here are some ways you can alleviate lifelong premature ejaculation.

1. Behavioral Techniques

Behavioral techniques enhancing control over ejaculation and increasing sexual stamina can be employed to last longer during sexual intercourse.

Some commonly used techniques include the stop-start method, where sexual stimulation is paused before ejaculation and then resumed. The squeeze technique is another potent method, where pressure is applied to the base of the penis to delay ejaculation.

2. Psychological Counseling

For many people, premature ejaculation is primarily a mental problem. As such, seeking counseling may be a good step to improve your condition.

If it has been determined that psychological factors contribute to both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, these professionals can address and formulate strategies to reduce sexual anxiety and improve your overall sexual well-being.

3. PE Therapy

PE can occur due to psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, or stress. Premature ejaculation may also arise due to physical factors, such as diabetes, prostate disease, thyroid irregularities, or other conditions.

Consulting with a medical professional to undergo PE treatment therapy begins by diagnosing the root cause of dysfunction. Once the underlying causes for the PE diagnosis are known, a sexual health specialist can provide the proper guidance and therapy recommendation suited to each individual’s unique experience and medical history.

5 Ways to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

In cases wherein premature ejaculation is caused by erectile dysfunction, treating erectile dysfunction should be something to consider in your treatment journey.

1. Exercise Frequently

Engaging in regular physical activity not only helps improve your cardiovascular health, but it also improves blood flow throughout the body, including the penis.

To reap the most benefits from exercise, strive to reach a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercises a week.

2. Have a Healthy Diet

Eating healthily can enhance all aspects of your health, including your erectile function.

Here are some sexually healthy foods and dietary choices you should consider:

• Mediterranean diet: Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improves erectile dysfunction.
• Antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E can help protect blood vessels and improve blood flow.
• L-arginine: Found in foods like lean meat, dairy products, nuts, and seeds, it helps produce nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes blood vessels and promotes blood flow.
• Zinc: Oysters, shellfish, lean meats, legumes, and nuts are good sources of zinc, which is crucial in testosterone production and sexual health.
• Healthy fats: Supporting cardiovascular health and promoting blood flow, food with healthy fats includes avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

Furthermore, it’s important to limit processed and sugary foods. These foods are linked to a slew of health disorders such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity—all of which can lead to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.

3. Quit Smoking and Drinking

Smoking damages blood vessels and restricts blood flow. This can erectile dysfunction in the long term, so do consider quitting the stick if you want to improve your sexual health.

In addition, excessive alcohol consumption can also be harmful to your sexual function. Strive to drink alcohol in moderation (or avoid it altogether) to improve erectile function.

4. Reduce Stress

Chronic stress and anxiety can negatively affect your bedroom performance.

As such, it’s key to minimize life’s stressors in any way you can. For starters, consider engaging in stress-reducing activities like meditation and yoga. You may also participate in hobbies you enjoy to uplift your physical health and mental well-being.

5. Non-Invasive Treatments

As a last resort, there are several procedures and treatments that you can opt for to treat erectile dysfunction:

• Vacuum erection devices (VED): A non-invasive vacuum draws blood into the penis.
• Penile injections or suppositories: Medications can be injected directly into the side of the penis or inserted into the urethra as a suppository. This helps relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow, facilitating an erection.
• ED treatments: Depending on your medical diagnosis, a doctor may recommend ED therapies like RestoreWave therapy, which use low-intensity acoustic waves to help improve blood flow and enhance sexual function.
• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): If your erectile dysfunction is caused by low testosterone, TRT may be recommended, where testosterone medications restore hormone levels to a normal range.

If you have moderate to severe erectile dysfunction, more invasive modes of treatment such as penile prosthesis surgery may be considered.

Treat ED and PE With Prestige Men’s Medical Center, A Top Male Clinic Based in Tampa, Florida

Premature ejaculation can potentially arise from erectile dysfunction, and you should seek professional advice from healthcare providers should you be suffering from either male sexual dysfunction.

Worried about having erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation? The medical professionals at Prestige Men’s Medical Center in Tampa can help you manage them, with treatments like TRT and RestoreWave therapy that complement your concurrent treatment.