Sex Therapy & Psychology Adelaide
Selma van Diest                                                0468 815 114                                                     Practice Location:
Clinical Psychologist                                                                                                      136 South Road, Torrensville
Sex Therapist                                               FAX (08) 8312 3114
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Premature ejaculation - PE

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The clinical definition of premature ejaculation (PE) might be different to the definition used by the general public. Officially PE can only be diagnosed when the time between the start of penetration and ejaculation is less than 90 seconds. This is of course hard to measure as you might not be having sex with a stopwatch in your hands. People usually describe premature ejaculation in terms of reaching climax sooner than expected or desired. The main reported issue is often lack of control over the ejaculation response which can result in an inability to please the partner. Premature ejaculation can cause severe stress, can affect the partner and the enjoyment derived from the sexual relationship. Usually it is not specifically the timing of the ejaculation that's causing the distress, but the lack of control over the orgasm.

Premature ejaculation could have several causes based on a biological predisposition or psychological stress. Some men are born with a predisposition to ejaculate quite rapidly. A way to discover this predisposition is to compare the time to ejaculation (and perceived control) when masturbating to the time when having intercourse.  If there is not much of a difference in perceived control and time to ejaculation between these two situations you might be predispositioned to have an elevated sensitivity and rapid response to sexual stimulation. PE could also be caused by psychological factors such as pressure to please your partner, anxiety to fail, or insecurities. Some men develop PE in response to erectile dysfunction. 

Treatment for premature ejaculation consists of strategies to relax during sexual activity to enable you to focus on your own arousal. Many men think they should distract themselves to prevent rapid ejaculation but the opposite is true. If you are more in touch with your body and your arousal you will experience more control through increased awareness of when the ejaculation is approaching. Other effective strategies include relaxation and mindfulness with the intent to shift your focus during sexual activity from orgasm to the earlier phases of the sexual experience. During your consultation Selma can provide more details about all these options and methods.


If you are suffering from premature ejaculation and it is impacting on your confidence, your pleasure in sex or the happiness in your relationship please contact Selma van Diest to make an appointment to discuss your options for treatment. 

Erectile dysfunction
Sex addiction
Selma van Diest
Clinical Psychologist, Sex Therapist
Sex Therapy & Psychology Adelaide
0468 815 114