Premature ejaculation occurs when a man ejaculates sooner during sexual intercourse than he or his partner would like. Premature ejaculation is a common sexual complaint. Estimates vary, but as many as 1 out of 3 men say they experience this problem at some time. As long as it happens infrequently, it's not cause for concern.

Premature Ejaculation is usually caused by a combination of an oversensitive glans penis (or head of the penis), and nervousness or performance anxiety during lovemaking. Fear of not being able to satisfy a sexual partner, which is common, often stems from previous experiences of premature ejaculation. 

Causes of PE include:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Thyroid issues
• Neurotransmitter abnormalities
• Abnormal reflex activity of the ejaculatory system
• Inflammation and infection of the prostate or urethra
• Genetic abnormalities

Most men with this problem won't have always had it – they'll have previously ejaculated normally. This may be referred to as 'secondary' premature ejaculation.

It's less common for the man to have always experienced premature ejaculation (since becoming sexually active) – this is known as 'primary' or lifelong premature ejaculation. It affects around one in 50 men in England. In most cases of lifelong premature ejaculation:

• there is an inability to delay ejaculation during sex every time or most times
• the condition causes feelings of shame or frustration and impacts on quality of life, causing the man to avoid sexual intimacy