If you’re one of the many men struggling with premature ejaculation, you might be wondering if there are any helpful tips or solutions to help you find a light at the end of this tunnel. Fortunately, the answer is yes! There are many products, tips, tricks, and even medications you might be able to try that can help you find a solution to your premature ejaculation. The trick is to know which of these work for you, and find a solution that provides long-lasting relief. Numerous options exist for treating premature ejaculation. Dr. Jed Kaminetsky offers some medical insight on how medications like Lexapro may help men last longer in bed.
What is Premature Ejaculation?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what exactly is premature ejaculation, and whether or not this is the struggle you’re currently facing. Premature ejaculation is a type of condition that leads to men ejaculating sooner in sex than they want. It’s important to note that men with PE usually last from seconds to minutes, leading to a number of issues with self-esteem, relationship issues, and self-confidence. If you’re still having great sex but wish you lasted just a bit longer, you might not be struggling with PE, and might want to look at other ways to help you last longer and improve your stamina.
As many as one in three men will suffer from PE, making this a common yet continuously debilitating condition to deal with. In addition, because it is still a bit misunderstood and stigmatized, some men might not want to seek help or simply ignore their PE. It’s vital to get help as soon as possible if your PE poses a threat to your well-being, if it is now affecting your relationships, and if you want to find relief and get back to enjoying sex as much as possible.
What is Lexapro?
Now that you know what PE is, it’s a bit easier to see the connection between PE and Lexapro. Lexapro is an antidepressant medication known as a Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Lexapro work by keeping serotonin levels steady in the brain and preventing their reuptake into the body, therefore increasing serotonin levels over time. Lexapro is similar to other SSRIs you might commonly find used in the treatment of PE, such as Prozac and Zoloft.
Lexapro doesn’t work immediately, as it takes time to build up serotonin in the brain. Instead, your doctor will recommend you take your Lexapro for anywhere between one month to 2 months or more, and will monitor your progress. Why is serotonin a contributor to PE? For starters, serotonin has long been linked with a number of mental health conditions. It’s thought that this chemical helps regulate mood, and a lack of serotonin can lead to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and other serious conditions. In addition, PE might also be caused by a lack of serotonin, which is why Lexapro can be a good choice for those with both PE and other conditions caused by a lack of serotonin.
Lexapro and Withdrawal
For many men, taking Lexapro can help with their PE symptoms in the long term, and it can be beneficial to stay on the medication for as long as your doctor deems it necessary. However, some men make the mistake of suddenly stopping their medication once their issues resolve. Not only is suddenly stopping your medication dangerous due to the sudden withdrawal from the brain, but it can also lead to your PE symptoms coming back.
It’s best to stick with your doctor’s advice and slowly wean off of your medication within a matter of weeks. Not doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, agitation, mood swings, anxiety, low mood, and other complaints. If you’re not willing to follow your doctor’s directions and plan on simply stopping the medication, it’s best to find another treatment option.
Lexapro and Other Mood Disorders
However, some men learn that Lexapro can help treat PE and other disorders such as depression and anxiety. If you’re one of the many men that want to find a solution for both PE and mental health issues, Lexapro might be a great way to help you find a good balance. However, it’s also important to continue to follow up with other treatment options, such as therapy. If you know your PE is, for instance, due to anxiety, combining behavioral therapy and medication is often better than simply relying on your medication alone. Again, your doctor will have more advice you can follow when it comes to taking medication for your PE.
Other Treatment Options
While many men choose to take Lexapro, it’s also good to know there are other options that can help you find relief from PE. For instance, using products such as delay sprays, delay creams, and condoms can help you with PE symptoms and are often more affordable than medications. In addition, you might find your PE resolved with simple tweaks to position, talking with your partner, and other simple solutions.
Overall, it’s best to stick with your doctor’s advice if you plan on starting a medication for PE. Ensure you’ve tried other options, and ask your doctor about the best way to start and stop your Lexapro for PE. Doing so can help prevent further complications, help resolve some of your other mental health issues, and help you find relief.