Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a sexual dysfunction and is defined as the regular inability to delay ejaculation for more than a minute after penetration during intercourse. This is different from erectile dysfunction (ED), which is inability to achieve and maintain penile erection.
This may happen even in normal persons from time to time; it needs to be treated if it happens regularly or persistently. PE may be lifelong (primary) or acquired (secondary).
Causes of PE: Physical, psychological or emotional, or a combination of several causes, may be present. These include a poor body image, poor self esteem, depression, history of sexual abuse (either as victim or perpetrator), guilt, worry, anxiety, stress, problems with current relationship or sexual partner. Physical causes include ED, disturbed hormones, neurological causes, and inflammation of the prostate or urethra. Certain drugs like recreational drugs may also be responsible.
Conventional Treatment of PE: This includes 1) Changes to the sexual routine such as a) prior masturbation b) other sexual activity to divert the mind and relieve performance pressure c) start and stop method and d) squeeze method; the last 2 can be done either by the male or his sexual partner, and needs to be done at least three times a week. All these methods may take several weeks to be effective, or may be ineffective altogether. 2) Pelvic floor exercises including kegel exercises; these may need to be done for several weeks to several months to be effective.3) Decreasing sensitivity by using a condom or anaesthetic spray or ointment. 4) Medicines like Viagra may help both with PE and ED.5) Counselling for both sexual partners and 6) Treating anxiety, depression etc.
Natural Treatments and Foods which may help with PE: These include 1) Zinc and magnesium supplements 2) nuts 3) dark chocolate 4) dry fruits 5) garlic 6) seafood 7) dark leafy vegetables 8) beef and lamb.
Ayurvedic herbal Treatment for PE: The medicines which help with ED may also be equally effective for PE. The Ayurvedic treatment of PE can be in the form of: A) Local application: These include oils or ointments of medicines like Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), Latakasturi (Musk mallow), Jaiphal (Nutmeg), Lavang (cloves) and Tejpatta (Bay leaves). These medicines have a stimulant effect which causes vasodilation when applied to the penis, and help in maintaining erection and may also help delay ejaculation. B) Oral medications: These include several Ayurvedic medicines which have different modes of action in treating ED and PE. These include the following: 1) Herbs like Dalchini (Cinnamon), Adrak (Ginger), Methi (Fenugreek), Kesar (Saffron) and fruits like Anar (Pomegranate). All these have blood thinning properties, reduce cholesterol, and increase blood flow in the arteries 2) Herbs and Foods which increase Testosterone: these include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilliunum), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum), Kraunch beej (Mucuna pruriens), Carrots, Beetroot and Spinach 3) Central nervous system stimulants: These act on the nervous system and increase sexual desire. These include medicines like Shilajit, Vardhara (Argyreia nervosa), Shuddha Kuchla (Purified nux vomica), Abhrak Bhasma (purified Mica), Kasturi (Moschus chrysogaster) and Vang bhasma (Purified Tin ash) 4) Nervous system sedatives: These reduce anxiety, stress and relax muscles and thereby help in ED and PE. These include medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) 5) Some medicines are traditionally known to reduce sensitivity and increase ejaculation time; these include Jaiphal (Nutmeg) and Akarkarabh (Anacyclus pyrethrum) 6)Nervous system stabilizers: On a long term basis, these medicines help stabilize the nervous system and therefore help with ED as well as PE. Medicines included in this category include Swarna bhasma (Purified Gold ash), Raupya bhasma (Purified Silver ash) and Ras Sindoor. Some well known Ayurvedic formulations which belong to this category are Bruhat Vat Chintamani, Bruhat Kasturi Bhairav Ras, Vasant Kusumakar Ras, and Trivang Bhasma.
It is important to note that most of the above mentioned herbs exhibit therapeutic actions at multiple levels, and may also have both short acting as well as long acting properties.
Disclaimer: Avoid self medication. Do not stop or change medication without medical advice. Take treatment from qualified and experienced physicians. Even for Ayurvedic medicines, take advice from a qualified and experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. Use good quality medicines and herbs. Avoid taking herbal powders of undisclosed content and from unreliable sources.
The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
