Picture this: you and your partner are having a fantastic date night, with your chemistry soaring through the roof.
You want to get that lingering intimacy in bed, but the moment you start to lift your manhood and he’s gone… you realize you’ve released yourself too soon.
While your partner may respond positively to your apology, you know deep down that this experience was more than a little disappointing. And it’s okay to feel that way.
As embarrassing as this experience was, it is not at all unusual. A premature ejaculation affects 30% of sexually active men at least once.
Despite its high prevalence, there are fortunately many treatments and approaches you can consider to reduce cases of premature ejaculation from occurring.
One such treatment for premature ejaculation that has attracted a lot of attention lately comes in the form of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with sertraline being a prominent one.
But, you might be wondering, how exactly does sertraline make you last longer in bed?
Read on to learn about premature ejaculation, the mechanisms behind sertraline for premature ejaculation and its intended function, sertraline side effects, alternative ways to treat PE, and more.
What is Premature Ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a sexual dysfunction in which a man ejaculates faster than intended, with or without sexual stimulation.
There are different classifications of premature ejaculation. These are:
- Mild: <1 minute penetration
- Moderate: 15-30 seconds of penetration
- Strict: <15 seconds penetration
In addition, PE is also noted when the patient experiences PE consistently for a year and feels debilitated by his condition.
This condition stems from multiple possible causes. It could stem from unresolved psychological issues such as self-esteem issues and anxiety. It can also come from abnormal hormone levels or genetics.
Regardless of the cause, if you feel debilitated by constant episodes of PE, it’s important to get in touch with a doctor to help you delay ejaculation.
What is sertraline and how does it work?
Sertraline is an antidepressant drug that belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor helps moderate the hormonal balance in the brain, which consequently helps stabilize a person’s mood.
More specifically, sertraline helps increase serotonin levels in the brain by reducing the reuptake of this hormone in neurons.
This increased availability of serotonin relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as a number of other mood disorders.
Sertraline and premature ejaculation: The connection
Sertraline’s effects on the brain directly affect the mechanisms behind an erection.
An erection is initially formed due to brain signals sent through blood vessels to the penis.
Sertraline and other SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing the synaptic availability of serotonin in the brain. This can help men take better control of their ejaculatory abilities.
In fact, in a study done on 46 menmen who took this SSRI daily for six weeks reported better sexual satisfaction due to improved ability to control ejaculation.
Furthermore, a more recent study found that on-demand and daily use of sertraline 4 hours before intercourse is also effective for the treatment of premature ejaculation in the short term.
That said, sertraline is often prescribed as an off-label drug for PE. It is also not a one-size-fits-all solution, as many men may experience unwanted symptoms from it, especially when combined with other medications.
Therefore, be sure to talk to a doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking sertraline.
How safe is sertraline?
The effectiveness and safety of sertraline begins and ends with how often someone takes it.
The The most effective minimum dose for sertraline is 50 mg daily. This balances efficacy and tolerability for people with PE.
If the above dose does not show sufficient results within 6 months, individuals can increase the dose by 50 mg at a time up to 200 mg/day.
It is recommended that you take this medicine once a day at a time. It is also mandatory to get a prescription from a doctor before treating premature ejaculation through sertraline treatment.
Side effects of sertraline
While daily use of sertraline for PE can be effective, it is not without drawbacks. Here are some risks that some people may face when taking sertraline:
All that said, if you experience one or a combination of these side effects, it’s best to contact your doctor right away. They will likely reduce your daily use of sertraline and prescribe another treatment for PE.
They may also give you another medicine to combat your specific symptoms.
Alternative treatments for premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation can be bothersome, but there are many ways besides sertraline that you can consider to treat your condition.
Here are some treatments for premature ejaculation:
- Sexual practices such as “stop-start” and “pause-squeeze”
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Local anesthetics
- Behavioral therapy
- Herbal supplements or oils
- OTC delay sprays
- Condoms with numbing agents
In addition to the above-mentioned treatments, other SSRIs such as paroxetine, escitalopram, citalopram, and fluoxetine can also help control premature ejaculation.
That said, always talk to your doctor before taking any of these treatment plans.
Seek premature ejaculation treatment in Cincinnati at Ohio’s top men’s health clinic
Sertraline is a great off-label drug that you can use to improve your ejaculation control while maintaining a high sex drive.
However, it is not the most common first-line treatment for PE, as there are many prescription drugs and clinical treatments that can help men regain control of their ejaculations.
Do you need clinical help? The health professionals at Cincinnati’s premier men’s health clinic at Proactive Men’s Medical Center have a wide range of sexual health treatment plans to help men regain control of their sex lives.
In addition to offering one of the best PE treatments in the state, we also provide ED treatment, low testosterone treatment, hormone therapy and RestoreWave therapy to further help men improve their sexual function over the long term.
Make an appointment with us today, your initial consultation and first treatment is completely free.
