Causes of delayed ejaculation

Like premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation can be caused by psychological and physical factors.

Possible psychological causes of delayed ejaculation are similar to those of premature ejaculation for example, early sexual trauma, strict upbringing, relationship problems, stress or depression.

Physical causes of delayed ejaculation include:

  • diabetes (usually only type 1 diabetes )
  • spinal cord injuries
  • multiple sclerosis
  • surgery to the bladder or prostate gland
  • increasing age

Many medicines are known to cause delayed ejaculation, including:

  • antidepressants , particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • medications to treat high blood pressure , such as beta-blockers
  • antipsychotics ,used to treat episodes of psychosis
  • muscle relaxants such as balcofen, which is widely used to treat motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis
  • powerful painkillers , such as methadone (which is also widely used to treat people addicted to heroin)

Delayed ejaculation can suddenly start tohappen after previously having no problems, or (less commonly)the man may have always experienced it.

It can occur in all sexual situations, or only in certain situations. For example, you may be able to ejaculate normally when masturbating, but not during sex. When ejaculation only occurs in certain situations, there's usually a psychological cause.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018