Ejaculation Difficulties: Impact of Masturbation and Sensitivity

Difficulties with masturbation and sexual intercourse?

Hello doctor, last week I had my first sexual experience.
During intercourse, my penis was fully erect and I was wearing a condom.
We engaged in thrusting for almost an hour, and my girlfriend reached orgasm, but I still did not feel the urge to ejaculate.
I only felt warmth in my penis while it was in the vagina.
The next morning, I masturbated for about 2 minutes and ejaculated.

A day later, I had sexual intercourse again, and my penis was fully erect, but this time I did not wear a condom.
We tried different positions, but I still could not ejaculate.
Eventually, I had to rely on masturbation to feel the urge to ejaculate before inserting my penis back into the vagina for rapid thrusting to finally ejaculate.
I have had a habit of masturbation since I was 12 years old, almost daily, and by the age of 17, it decreased to 2-3 times a week.
Since middle school, my glans has been mostly exposed, and I can push my foreskin back with my hand, but it soon retracts back to expose the glans again.
Now, my glans appears similar to that of someone who has undergone circumcision.

Doctor, could my frequent masturbation and the long-term exposure of my glans be causing insufficient sensitivity, leading to difficulty in ejaculation? Are there any methods to improve this?

Mr. Hsu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/02

Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology

Hello, the process of sexual activity is an interactive experience between both partners.
You may be accustomed to reaching orgasm through masturbation, but after some time, it would be beneficial to discuss with your partner the psychological and physiological interactions during sexual activity.

Reply Date: 2019/10/02

More Info

Ejaculation difficulties can be a complex issue influenced by various factors, including psychological, physiological, and behavioral aspects. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing challenges with ejaculation during sexual intercourse, despite being able to achieve ejaculation through masturbation. This situation is not uncommon and can be attributed to several potential causes.

Firstly, it's important to understand that sexual arousal and ejaculation are influenced by both physical sensations and psychological factors. During intercourse, the presence of a partner, the environment, and the emotional connection can all play significant roles in sexual performance. If you are feeling anxious or pressured to perform, this can lead to difficulties in reaching ejaculation. Anxiety can create a cycle where the fear of not being able to ejaculate leads to further anxiety, making it even harder to achieve orgasm.

Regarding your history of masturbation, it is possible that frequent masturbation, especially if done in a specific way, can lead to a difference in sensitivity. If you have developed a routine or technique that is different from the sensations experienced during intercourse, this could contribute to difficulties in ejaculation. The fact that you have been able to achieve ejaculation through masturbation suggests that your body is capable of it, but the context of sexual intercourse may be creating a barrier.

The exposure of the glans (the head of the penis) due to the retraction of the foreskin can also play a role in sensitivity. Some men find that prolonged exposure can lead to decreased sensitivity over time, which might affect the ability to reach ejaculation during intercourse. However, this is not universally the case, as sensitivity varies greatly among individuals.

To address your concerns, here are several strategies you might consider:
1. Relaxation Techniques: Before engaging in sexual activity, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to reduce anxiety. This can help create a more comfortable environment for both you and your partner.

2. Communication with Your Partner: Openly discuss your feelings and experiences with your partner. This can alleviate pressure and foster a supportive atmosphere, which may enhance your sexual experience.

3. Experiment with Different Techniques: During intercourse, try varying your techniques and positions. This can help you discover what feels best and may facilitate ejaculation.

4. Limit Masturbation Frequency: If you suspect that your masturbation habits are affecting your sensitivity, consider reducing the frequency or changing your technique to see if this improves your experience during intercourse.

5. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If these strategies do not lead to improvement, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional, such as a urologist or a sexual health specialist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss potential underlying issues, including hormonal factors or medical conditions that may be contributing to your difficulties.

6. Consider Therapy: If anxiety or psychological factors are significant contributors to your experience, speaking with a therapist who specializes in sexual health can be beneficial. They can help you work through any underlying issues and develop coping strategies.

In conclusion, ejaculation difficulties can stem from a combination of physical and psychological factors. By exploring relaxation techniques, improving communication with your partner, and possibly consulting a healthcare professional, you can work towards finding a solution that enhances your sexual experience. Remember that sexual health is an important aspect of overall well-being, and seeking help is a positive step towards improvement.

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

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