Have you been experiencing premature ejaculation? You’re not alone. According to a study that was published in July 2016 in Drug Discovery Today, approximately 20 to 30 percent of men experience premature ejaculation at some point in their lives. And men of any age can be affected by this sexual problem, which can be rather distressing.

Andrew C. Kramer, MD, a urologist and associate professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, says “Premature ejaculation is more common than most people think.”

According to him, “It can cause distress and emotional and psychological issues as well as self-esteem problems.”

Discussing the problem with your partner or even your doctor, despite the fact that it may be uncomfortable to do so, is essential to finding a solution to the problem of premature ejaculation. Continue reading to find out precisely what premature ejaculation is as well as how it can be treated.

What is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation, as simply defined by Dr. Kramer, occurs when a man loses control of ejaculation, leading to decreased sexual satisfaction for both partners. Premature ejaculation can happen in as little as 30 seconds to a minute, and it’s even possible that it could occur before penetration. According to Kramer, contrary to the exaggerated depictions seen in pornographic films, the average time it takes for a healthy man to ejaculate during the course of intercourse is approximately four to five minutes.

It is possible for premature ejaculation to occur alongside erectile dysfunction (ED), but this is not always the case. “ED can happen to men of all ages, but in younger men, the issue is usually premature ejaculation,” says Kramer.

He added: “For men in their sixties and seventies, there is usually some degree of ED. Sometimes the [penis] just ejaculates when it’s flaccid.”

NEXT: Causes of Premature Ejaculation & How to Cure it Permanently

Causes:

Premature ejaculation can have a variety of causes, including physiological, psychological, and emotional factors, although the precise cause is unknown.

Explaining the possible causes, Dr. Kramer said, “A lot of it is psychological.”

“When working with a patient, I may ask, ‘Are you comfortable with your partner? Or do you feel anxious around your partner?”

Anxiety, as well as other emotional and psychological factors such as stress or depression, can also contribute to premature ejaculation.

Read more to see how to cure premature ejaculation permanently