What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which you are unable to get or keep an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. ED can be a short-term or long-term problem. You have ED when you
- can get an erection sometimes, but not every time you want to have sex
- can get an erection, but it does not last long enough for fulfilling or satisfactory sex
- are unable to get an erection at any time
Health care professionals, such as primary care providers and urologists, often can treat ED. Although ED is very common, it is not a normal part of aging. Talk with a health care professional if you have any ED symptoms. ED could be a sign of a more serious health problem.
You may find it embarrassing and difficult to talk with a health care professional about ED. However, remember that a healthy sex life can improve your quality of life and is part of a healthy life overall. Health care professionals, especially urologists, are trained to speak to people about many kinds of sexual problems.
How Long Do Men Last During Sex?
Understanding what is and isn’t normal is critical when it comes to sexual health and function, as it’s easy to form an unrealistic view of sex when your key sources of information are mass media and the internet.
A 2008 study looked at this exact question. Researchers wanted to see what the typical length of a sexual encounter was and concluded that the average sexual intercourse session lasts for somewhere between three and 13 minutes.
What’s more important, though, is that the survey asked several sex therapists — mental health professionals that specialize in sex — to weigh in on how long sex should last.
The sex therapists concluded that sexual intercourse was “desirable” if it continued for seven to 13 minutes, “adequate” if it lasted for three to seven minutes and “too long” if it continued for 10 to 30 minutes. As for “too short,” they gave one to two minutes as an answer.
It’s important to point out that information like this is worth a grain of salt, in part because sex isn’t a structured activity. Eight minutes of penetration might be great, but it might include half an hour of foreplay and teasing for some people.
Give Yourself A Break With The Start-Stop Technique
The start-stop technique is a behavioral technique that can slow down ejaculation. It’s simple — just stop moving your penis when you feel orgasm and ejaculation approaching, wait a moment, and then start again once you feel the sensation pass.
In other words, as soon as you cross that point where both missile keys have been turned, you pull back, take a few deep breaths and hold still until the urge to fire subsides.
The start-stop technique has been around for a long time, and we’re guessing you have already tried this yourself if you’re having problems with cumming too fast.
Although there’s very little scientific data on the effectiveness of this technique, some guys claim it’s a helpful treatment option for dealing with premature ejaculation.
Since it’s a simple technique to perform and costs nothing, it’s a good first option if you’d like to gain more control over your orgasm and ejaculation process without spending anything.
A Healthy Lifestyle and Diet Go A Long Way
For the most part, better sexual health and better overall health go hand in hand. Put simply, the healthier you become, the less likely it is that you’ll need to deal with sexual performance issues such as premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
To improve your general health, try to make exercising, eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of fresh air major parts of your daily routine.
