Self-reported reasons for having difficulty reaching orgasm in men with diverse etiologies

Area of Science:

• Men's sexual health
• Psychology of sexual dysfunction
• Clinical sexology

Background:

• Delayed ejaculation affects 5-10% of men, characterized by difficulty reaching orgasm during partnered sex.
• The underlying causes of delayed ejaculation are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the self-perceived reasons for delayed ejaculation in men.
• To explore potential etiologies of difficulty reaching orgasm.

Main Methods:

• An online survey of 351 men experiencing moderate to severe difficulty reaching orgasm.
• Participants selected reasons for difficulty from a list and identified the primary cause.
• Comparison between men with and without comorbid erectile dysfunction (ED).

Main Results:

• The primary self-perceived reasons for delayed ejaculation were anxiety/distress (41%) and inadequate stimulation (23%).
• Other identified factors included low arousal (18%), medical issues (9%), and partner issues (8%).
• Few differences were noted between men with and without ED, except for higher endorsement of medical issues in those with ED.

Conclusions:

• Men attribute delayed ejaculation to psychological factors like anxiety and stress, insufficient stimulation, and relationship issues.
• These identified reasons, excluding medical issues, can be addressed in sex therapy and couples counseling.
• Understanding self-perceived causes is crucial for developing targeted interventions for delayed ejaculation.