Sexual health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, yet it remains an area riddled with misconceptions and silence. Delayed ejaculation (DE), a sexual dysfunction that affects many men, is one such issue. Delayed ejaculation, sometimes referred to as “retarded ejaculation,” is a sexual disorder characterized by the consistent difficulty or inability to achieve orgasm and ejaculate despite adequate sexual stimulation. It’s essential to differentiate between delayed ejaculation and other ejaculatory disorders, such as premature ejaculation, where ejaculation occurs too quickly.
Delayed ejaculation can have various underlying causes, including:
- Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, and relationship problems can significantly contribute to delayed ejaculation. These emotional challenges can create mental barriers that hinder relaxation and sexual release.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, and prostate issues, can affect the nerves and hormones responsible for ejaculation, leading to DE.
- Medications: Some medications, especially those prescribed for mental health conditions, can have side effects that interfere with ejaculation. But also, good old Viagra can cause DE, especially in older men who might have an erection with the help of the little blue pill, but the arousal isn’t sufficient for ejaculation.
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse: Excessive alcohol or drug use can impair sexual function, including ejaculation.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor physical health, sedentary habits, and an unhealthy diet can contribute to delayed ejaculation by affecting overall sexual health.
- Idiosyncratic and high-frequency Masturbation: Idiosyncratic means that something must be in a specific and sometimes strange way to work. Considering masturbation, the slang term Death-Grip-Syndrome isn’t a condition that you’ll find in scientific literature. But it is a factor that is contributing to DE that will be further explained below.
So, what is the Death-Grip-Syndrome?
The phenomenon known as Death-Grip-Syndrome is self-explanatory, it describes the consequences of masturbating with a too tight grip that no mouth or vagina can replace. This leads to a quite common problem for men, namely being able to reach orgasm alone but hardly during penetrative sex with a partner. This is because the overly aggressive grip has led to penile desensitization. Diagnostic criteria for the Death-Grip-Syndrome don’t exist yet and the severity can vary from one man to another.
How to overcome the Death-Grip-Syndrome?
For a start it would be ideal to refrain from masturbating for at least 72 hours. Then a lighter grip, going more slow and less frequent masturbation is on the treatment plan. For some men changing the hand for the job might help too to bring back the sensitivity over time.
If a man finds masturbation more pleasurable and effective than sexual intercourse porn might have something to do with it. Watching a lot of porn has been linked to changing sexual habits and performance. So, limiting porn consumption is recommended. There’s nothing wrong with masturbating nor with watching porn. It just shouldn’t have any negative effects on your sexual performance, arousal and desire.
Treatment of Delayed Ejaculation
The most crucial step in addressing delayed ejaculation is recognizing that it is a legitimate medical concern and seeking help. Psychotherapy or counseling can be highly effective in addressing underlying psychological factors contributing to delayed ejaculation. It provides a safe space to explore and manage anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. In certain cases, healthcare professionals may prescribe medications, such as antidepressants, to help manage delayed ejaculation. These should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Adopting a healthier lifestyle can significantly improve overall sexual health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, reducing alcohol and substance use, and maintaining a healthy weight can all contribute to better sexual function. Discussing the issue openly with a partner is essential. Open and supportive communication can reduce anxiety and create a conducive environment for improvement.