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Imagine this: you and your partner are having a fantastic date night, with the chemistry between you two soaring through the roof.
You want to take this prolonged intimacy to bed, but the moment you start getting your manhood up and going…you realize you released too early.
While your partner may respond positively to your apologies, 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 may have been, it’s by no means an uncommon one. A premature ejaculation affects 30% of sexually active men at least once.
Despite its high prevalence, there are fortunately many remedies and approaches that you can consider to reduce the instances of premature ejaculation from occurring.
One such treatment for premature ejaculation that’s been getting a lot of attention lately comes in the form of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with one prominent one being Sertraline.
But, you may be wondering, how does Sertraline make you last longer in bed exactly?
Read on to learn about premature ejaculation, the mechanisms behind Sertraline for premature ejaculation and its intended function, the side effects of Sertraline, alternative ways to treat PE, and more.
What is Premature Ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a sexual dysfunction wherein a person ejaculates quicker than they intended, with or without sexual stimulation.
There are different classifications of premature ejaculation. These are:
- Mild: <1 minute of penetration
- Moderate: 15-30 seconds of penetration
- Severe: <15 seconds of penetration
Moreover, PE is also noted when the patient experiences PE consistently for a year and feels debilitated by their condition.
This condition stems from multiple potential causes. It could stem from unresolved psychological issues like self-esteem problems and stress. It may also stem from abnormal hormone levels or genetics.
Regardless of the cause, if you feel debilitated by consistent 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’s under the class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor helps in moderating the hormonal balance in the brain, which consequently helps in stabilizing a person’s mood.
More specifically, Sertraline helps in increasing serotonin levels in the brain by reducing the reabsorption of this hormone into the neurons.
This increased serotonin availability alleviates depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as a slew of other mood disorders.
Sertraline and Premature Ejaculation: The Connection
Sertraline’s effects on the brain directly impact the mechanisms behind an erection.
An erection forms initially because of brain signals that get sent down through the blood vessels to the penis.
Sertraline and other SSRIs block serotonin reuptake, increasing the synaptic availability of serotonin in the brain. This can help in allowing men to take better rein over their ejaculation abilities.
In fact, in a study carried out on 46 men, men who took this SSRI daily for six weeks reported better sexual satisfaction due to improved ability to control ejaculations.
Furthermore, a more recent study found that on-demand and daily use of Sertraline 4 hours before sexual intercourse is also effective for the treatment of premature ejaculation in the short term.
That said, sertraline is often prescribed as an off-label remedy for PE. It’s also not a universal solution as many men can experience adverse symptoms from it, especially when combined with other medications.
As such, be sure to talk with a doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking Sertraline.
How Much Sertraline is Safe?
The efficacy and safety of Sertraline starts and ends with how often one takes it.
The most effective minimal dose for Sertraline is 50mg daily. This balances efficacy and tolerability for people with PE.
If the aforementioned dosage doesn’t show adequate results within 6 months, individuals can up the dosage by 50mg at a time up to 200 mg/day.
It’s recommended that you take this drug once a day at a time. It’s also mandatory for you to get a prescription from a doctor before treating premature ejaculation through Sertraline therapy.
Side Effects of Sertraline
While daily use of Sertraline for PE can be effective, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some risks some people can encounter when taking Sertraline:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- GI issues
- Sleep problems
- Erectile dysfunction
All that said, if you’re experiencing one or a combination of these side effects, it’s best to contact your doctor immediately. They will likely reduce your daily use of Sertraline and prescribe another treatment for PE.
They may also give you another medication to combat your specific symptoms.
Alternative Treatments for Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation can be distressing, but there are many avenues besides Sertraline that you can consider to treat your condition.
Here are some treatments for premature ejaculation:
- Sexual practices like the “stop-start” and “pause-squeeze”
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Topical anesthetics
- Behavioral therapy
- Herbal supplements or oils
- OTC delay sprays
- Condoms with numbing agents
Besides the aforementioned treatments, other SSRIs like paroxetine, escitalopram, citalopram, and fluoxetine can also help in controlling premature ejaculation.
That said, always talk with your doctor before taking any of these treatment plans.
Seek Treatment for Premature Ejaculation at Cincinnati, Ohio’s Leading Men’s Health Clinic
Sertraline is a great off-label medication you can use to improve your ejaculatory control while maintaining a high sexual desire.
However, it’s not the most common first-line treatment for PE, as there are many prescription medications and clinical treatments that can help men restore control over their ejaculatory abilities.
Need clinical assistance? The medical professionals from Cincinnati’s top male 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.
Besides offering one of the best PE treatments in the state, we also provide ED treatment, low testosterone therapy, hormone therapy, and RestoreWave therapy to further help men improve their sexual function over the long term.
Schedule an appointment with us today, your initial consultation and first treatment are completely free.
