Let’s be honest
Most men only talk about finishing early when it starts affecting confidence or relationships. But premature ejaculation (PE) isn’t just about what happens in the bedroom. It can be a clue to what’s going on in the rest of your body and mind.
Research shows PE is linked with a surprising range of conditions, from anxiety and thyroid disorders to lifestyle habits and even genetics. Understanding these connections helps take the shame out of the issue and gives you a clearer path to fix it.
It's not a disease to want to last longer and you can argue that we've evolved to get the job done promptly. But when you hit these three criteria, it might be time do something about it:
- Ejaculation within 1 minute of sex
- Distress / it bothers you
- You have no or limited ability to delay or control ejaculation
1. Anxiety and mood
Anxiety fires up the body’s “fight-or-flight” system, which floods you with adrenaline. Adrenaline is great for running from danger but terrible for lasting control in bed. Studies show men with PE are about three times more likely to experience generalised anxiety or low mood than men without it.
It’s a loop: early ejaculation increases anxiety, which in turn shortens latency further. Breaking that cycle often starts with addressing stress and emotional health, not just physical performance.
2. Relationship stress and communication
The PEPA study (Porst et al., Eur Urol 2007) found more than 80 percent of partners reported lower satisfaction and about half said the condition affected their relationship. The biggest predictor of distress wasn’t the timing itself but the lack of communication about it.
When couples talk openly, they often find the problem shrinks. When they don’t, tension builds and avoidance sets in. A calm conversation with your partner and your GP can change everything.
3. Thyroid and hormone balance
Your thyroid controls metabolism and, surprisingly, timing. A 2005 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found hyperthyroid men were far more likely to climax early, while hypothyroid men often experienced delayed ejaculation. When thyroid levels were corrected, both problems improved.
That’s why it’s worth a simple blood test if PE is new or has worsened suddenly. It’s not just psychological — sometimes it’s hormonal.
4. Lifestyle and physical health
Smoking, obesity and inactivity don’t just affect your heart; they affect your nerves and blood flow. Large population studies link smoking and excess weight with almost double the risk of PE. Chronic stress, sleep debt and alcohol also increase adrenaline and blunt sexual control.
The fix isn’t complicated: regular exercise, less alcohol, and prioritising recovery. The same steps that help your heart and mental health also improve your control.
5. Pelvic floor and prostatitis
Men with chronic prostatitis or pelvic pain are up to three times more likely to experience premature ejaculation. Constant tension in the pelvic floor muscles makes the reflex hypersensitive.
Pelvic physiotherapy, relaxation training and mindfulness-based approaches can desensitise that reflex and reduce pain. It’s an area of men’s health that deserves much more attention.
6. Genetics and brain chemistry
Some men have a faster-firing serotonin system from birth. Research on the 5-HTTLPR gene shows shorter serotonin transporter variants are linked to quicker ejaculation times. That’s why SSRIs — antidepressants that increase serotonin signalling — often delay climax as a side-effect.
It’s not a moral failing or lack of willpower; it’s biology. Knowing that can remove a lot of guilt and open the door to targeted treatment.
The bottom line
Premature ejaculation isn’t a punchline and it’s rarely “just psychological”. It’s a complex, multifactorial issue that overlaps with mental health, hormones, physical fitness and relationships. The good news is that it’s also one of the most treatable men’s health conditions.
If it’s happening often enough to worry you, that’s reason enough to check in with your GP. A few tests, some honest conversations and evidence-based management can make a huge difference.
Next article and on socials I'm going to cover some basic, general information (as always, not personalised management or treatment advice) on addressing PE.
Stay tuned 👇
Cheers,
James.
#MensHealthAustralia #PrematureEjaculation #SexualHealth #MensMentalHealth #HealthyMale #HolisticHealth #AustralianGP #DrJamesAU
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not personalised medical advice. Always seek guidance from your own GP or qualified health professional for advice specific to your circumstances.
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