Talking About PE
If you think that you have PE and it's making you or your partner unhappy, then you should talk to your doctor.
This thought might make you feel nervous. Even though sexuality is a normal part of life, talking to your doctor about problems with your sexual life can feel strange or embarrassing. It's important to remember that your doctor hears these kinds of things all the time and that they are the best source of help for your PE.
So what is the best way of approaching the topic of PE with your doctor?
Talking About PE
Before you go
Before visiting your doctor, take some time to think about what you want to talk about. Having a clear agenda will make it easier to get started on solving the problem in the short time that you may have in the clinic. You might want to think about the symptoms that youare having, when they happen and what effect they're having on your life.
Write notes to take with you to the appointment - this will help you to remember all the issues that are worrying you. If you feel nervous or embarrassed, it's sometimes easy to forget a question that you want to discuss.
Talking About PE
How to get the conversation started
The best approach is to just tell your doctor right at the start of the appointment that you have a sexual issue you'd like to discuss. For example, you could say:
" Doctor, I'd like to discuss my sexual health with you"
Or
" I've been hearing a lot about premature ejaculation recently and I'd like to talk to you about it "
Talking About PE
What can you expect from the doctor?
Once you've raised the issues of PE, the really difficult part is part over. What should follow is an open discussion about your symptoms, how you feel about them, and what is important for you to achieve to overcome your concern. The doctor will probably ask you a series of questions about your sexual life, your general health and some specific questions that might not even seem related to PE.
Here are some questions that your doctor might ask you:
Questions on your sexual life:
- How much time passes between penetration and ejaculation?
– Although it is not the only feature of PE, the length of time between penetration and ejaculation is a good indicator of the severity of your symptoms - Have you always had PE or is it something that has developed more recently?
– Your doctor will want to establish whether you have lifelong or acquired PE. - Do you ejaculate with a full erection?
– PE can sometimes be linked to erectile dysfunction (ED; impotence) and your doctor will want to know whether you have PE, ED or both PE and ED. - Have you tried any medications, creams or techniques to help with you PE symptoms?
– If you've already tried a treatment strategy and it hasn't worked as well as you'd like then the doctor may select a different option.
Questions about your health and life in general:
- How do you feel about life in general, are your symptoms affecting your mood or confidence?
– PE can affect a man's confidence and even cause anxiety and depression in some cases - How is your relationship with your partner?
– PE can cause difficulties with your relationship that may also affect your general health