People often confuse an orgasm with an ejaculation but the two events could not be more different. Ejaculation is caused by a very brief reflex event of the pelvic muscles that contract in rhythmic way. This event almost always lasts a specific length of time and is coordinated by the brain, which requires input from multiple levels of the nervous system. An ejaculation actually occurs when the semen comes out of the penis by a contraction of the bulbocavernosus and the levator ani muscles. This event is commonly referred to as an orgasm but an orgasm is the actual contraction of these muscles expelling the fluid forward out of the penis.

The sexual revolution, ushered by different sexual 'wonder' pills, has made it commonplace to talk about other sexual disorders besides the loss of an erection. The primary form of premature ejaculation typically occurs in a man who begins having intercourse for the first time and has a problem with ejaculating before he desires it. Generally, these are younger men with strong libido who experience significant sexual tension prior to intercourse. Another historical, clinical case is when ejaculation occurs with less than two minutes of penetration during more than fifty percent of intercourse experiences for at least six months duration.

Because much can happen along this complex chain of events to disrupt the process, there are many causes of ejaculatory dysfunction. These include congenital problems that affect the structures involved with both orgasm and ejaculation, and more commonly, acquired causes due to trauma including urologic surgery to treat prostatic obstruction.

Other dysfunctions are caused by parasitic infections or healed venereal diseases and still others may be the result of traumas such as back injuries, colon cancer surgery, or even testicular cancer. One of the most common causes is drug therapy. Many drugs are known to impair ejaculation, including alcohol, medications used to treat depression. Even cold - flu pills can create the conditions for retrograde ejaculation.

The definition of premature ejaculation varies from individual to individual and depends on the person. Often the most effective treatment is education. Simply discussing premature ejaculation and its physiology convinces men and their partners that they either don't have a problem or they are interested in trying oral medication options.

First, men who are in a stable sexual relationship will undoubtedly try the medication without first telling their wives. The drug causes a substantial increase in the latency time from penetration to ejaculation, which causes a great deal of concern on the part of their partners that they are having an extramarital affair. After all, this is not the usual pattern of their lovemaking.

The other discovery is that many men stop using the drug over time because, in fact, they like a shorter latency period and are comfortable with rapid ejaculation as their normal way of lovemaking. Education is very important in this situation.