All You Need to Know About Premature Ejaculation Part - 4

My last article gave insight on the non-medical methods of controlling premature ejaculation.  Now, as a wrap up on this topic, I will highlight the options of medical treatments available for managing P.E. However, take it as a warning that you must consult a doctor before trying out any of these methods and medicines, because more often than not, such drugs and medicines have their side effects that can adversely bother your health.

By now we know that Premature ejaculation (PE) occurs when a man reaches peak of sexual excitement and ejaculates before he actually wants it to happen, thus, leaving his partner deprived of the sexual pleasure that she deserves. Even the most empathetic female partner would not like his man to leave her unsatisfied in bed.  Sooner or later this problem becomes a medical problem, reduces the warmth in their relationship.

Several factors including psychological problems such as anxiety; biological problem like penile hypersensitivity, hormonal imbalance (e.g. thyroid problem); behavioural problem like, habituation of quick sex/masturbation, etc may be held responsible for causing PE.

Medical (Allopathic) therapy for PE treatment:

Drugs used for managing premature ejaculation reduce sensitivity and anxiety, improve blood flow and even affect some chemical mediators present in the brain. These class of drugs include local anaesthetics, antidepressants and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

Anaesthetic compounds were the first medical treatment proposed for PE management. They were applied topically to the surface of skin. Lidocaine-prilocaine sprays or creams decrease the sensation of the penis and increase the time taken to ejaculate during vaginal penetration. These sprays/ creams are applied 10 to 20 minutes prior to sexual activity. Side effects of topical agents include partial loss of sensation of penis, absorption in vagina resulting in vaginal numbness and irritation.

Earlier agents like Alpha Amino Benzoate and Phenoxybenzamine were used to prolong duration of intercourse, but they were associated with severe side effects.

It has been found that Serotonin (a chemical in brain) levels were deficient in PE patients. Treatment medications include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which interact with a receptor (5-HT2C) present in brain and increases the production of Serotonin. They also help in reducing anxiety and depression associated with PE. Through this mechanism, they prolong the time to reach ejaculation. Several SSRIs have increasingly become used as 'off-label' for PE.

Among the available SSRIs, Paroxetine-Dapoxetine is more beneficial with lesser side effects as compared to other SSRIs. These medications are associated with sexual side effects including decreased fertility and erectile dysfunction. Dapoxetine is a recent SSRI which acts quickly and cleared rapidly from the body. Adverse effects with SSRIs are usually minor and include fatigue, mild nausea, loose stools and sweating. Other side effects may include decreased sexual urge and increased tendency to suicide, especially with long-term use of Paroxetine.

Another potential medical treatment option for PE are class of medications which increase the blood flow by dilating the blood vessels of penile region and prolong the PE. But headache, dizziness, flushing, body-ache associated with them have limited their use in PE.

At present, clinicians need to consider all treatment modalities when evaluating a man with PE, as each patient may respond differently and experience variable side effects. Additional and more effective therapies need to be developed having least side effects.

Ayurvedic therapy for PE treatment:

Vajikaran in Ayurveda is an important treatment modality which increases sexual capacity and improves health. In Sanskrit, Vaji means horse, the symbol of sexual potency and performance thus Vajikaran means producing a horse's vigour, particularly the animal's great capacity for sexual activity in the individual. Vajikaran therapy reenergizes all the seven dhatus (body elements), and restores equilibrium and health. It also offers a solution to minimize the shukra (sperm and ovum) defects.

There are many formulations which are used in Vajikaran. Some of the commonly used formulations include Vrihani Gutika, Vrishya Gutika, Vajikaranam Ghritam and Upatyakari Shashtikadi Gutika.

Vrihani Gutika is one of the potent formulations while Vrishya Gutika is highly potent aphrodisiac used in treatment of PE. Vajikaranam Ghritam enhances the strength of penis. Upatyakari Shashtikadi Gutika is useful for the enhancement of the fertility.

Also, Chapdraprabha Vati and Kaunch Pak are known to increase sexual vigour and semen consistency by helping in increasing the sexual timing.

So, with this concluding article, I wrap up my knowledge and experience in treating patients suffering from premature ejaculation.  Take care, and stay healthy! If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a sexologist.

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