ED and PE: What’s the Difference?

Sometimes, when it comes to discussing men’s sexual health, Erectile dysfunction (ED) and Premature Ejaculation (PE) are confusing to understand. Aren’t they? Let us clear the clutter. 

Firstly, Erectile Dysfunction is a condition where a man is not able to achieve the required erection at the time of sexual intercourse. On the other hand, Premature Ejaculation is a condition where a man ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would want at the time of sex. 

While both conditions are related to sexual intercourse and affect the sexual relationship, they are two different things. To understand the difference on a deeper level, let’s dive into this guide and expand our knowledge to make better decisions related to its treatment. 

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) 

The condition of Erectile Dysfunction, often called  ‘impotence’ is caused by various psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, heart disease, obesity, etc. Even though issues in erections on an occasional basis are quite normal, but it stays consistent every time you perform sexual activity, then it can be concerning. Here are the causes: 

Physiological factors – Depression, stress, anxiety, and even several relationship problems can affect it. These conditions, when combined with physical issues can make the situation severe. 

Physical conditions – Problems such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and  high blood pressure can affect nerve function and blood flow. Also, habits such as consuming excessive alcohol and smoking can lead to ED. 

Causes of Premature Ejaculation (PE) 

Premature Ejaculation is one of the common conditions affecting men across the globe. Here, it’s quite natural for ejaculation to differ in timings (it can sometimes be on time while sometimes late or early). Many healthcare experts define this condition as ejaculation that occurs within one minute of starting sexual intercourse. While it is difficult to understand if it’s natural or PE, it is always better to consult a professional doctor and then take action. Here are the causes: 

Physiological factors – Similar to Erectile Dysfunction, factors such as performance pressure, stress, and anxiety, especially anxiety about sexual performance can hamper the flow and can cause PE. 

Physical conditions – Abnormal neurotransmitter levels, hormonal imbalance or even too sensitive penis can also cause Premature Ejaculation. If a man is already undergoing medical treatment, it can be one of the reasons. 

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction 

• Being able to get an erection, but it doesn’t last longer to perform sex 
• Often getting an erection, but not every time whenever you are willing to have sex with your partner 
• Not able to get an erection at any point in time as desired 

Symptoms of Premature Ejaculation 

• Not able to delay the ejaculation for more than 3 minutes right after the penetration 
• Mostly ejaculate within 1 to 3 minutes of penetration 
• Feel too stressed and frustrated and so you tend to avoid sexual encounters

Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction 

When it comes to treating ED, the medicine often depends on the cause. If you are a man facing physical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, then medicines like Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), and other PD5 inhibitors enhance the blood flow to the penis. Sometimes, even physical activities like avoidance of smoking/drinking, and weight loss are suggested by the experts. For stress, depression or anxiety doctors often recommend therapy or counseling sessions. 

Treatment of Premature Ejaculation 

To treat the condition of PE, effective behavioral techniques such as the ‘squeeze’ technique or ‘start’ and ‘stop’ methods often help. With this, the aim is to delay the ejaculation and build proper control with time. In terms of medications, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are sometimes prescribed by doctors. Similar to ED, therapy or counseling sessions are recommended for anxiety, depression, and stress. 

Conclusion

Both ED and PE have a large impact on sexual health and relationships. Both can cause stress and severe tension while having sex. So, to find the right treatment, you must first understand them thoroughly, especially the symptoms, and then check if they match your problems. Accordingly, you can then consult a professional expert and take the necessary action.