Premature ejaculation is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions in men, yet it is one of the most underreported conditions. In this interview by SADE OGUNTOLA, a consultant urologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr Augustus Takure speaks on stigmatisation and the wrong assumptions about premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are different. Premature ejaculation means the early release of the semen within the first two minutes before the man gets to orgasm or the partner gets orgasm. It is very fast; it comes before the expected time. In other words, the man has difficulty controlling or delaying ejaculation. That is why it is said to be premature although erection is normal.

Now, erectile dysfunction is a conglomerate of diseases. It means the inability of the man to achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Even when he has sexual intercourse, he does not get through the process of enjoying the sexual intercourse. That is erectile dysfunction.

For premature ejaculation, it has to do with the synapses, the nerve endings that release some substances to activate the emission of semen. The substance released in the brain called serotonin ensures the release from the seminal vesicle and testis to form the semen that is released into the posterior urethra from where it moves straight out. The posterior urethra in men is surrounded by the prostate and above that prostate is the bladder neck. Erectile dysfunction doesn’t follow that pathway; it is totally different.

Of course, while erectile dysfunction generally increases with age, premature ejaculation is not age-related.

Premature ejaculation in men shouldn’t be attributed to stress. No study to confirm that this is the case. Now, in Africa, there is always a reason for whatever is happening to us.  Stress can cause everything, including abnormalities within the body system. It does not have to be premature ejaculation. So men use stress as an excuse for all problems.