Cape Breton Post

‘Shy guy’ can get help for condition

- Ellie Tesher Read Ellie Monday to Saturday. Email ellie@thestar.ca. Follow @ellieadvic­e.

I’m a woman who recently moved here, age 42, divorced and newly-dating again. I met a man with a shy, sensitive nature. We’ve gone out over two months, and our dates always ended with a warm hug.

I wasn’t surprised that there’s been no heavy moves toward sex.

But I wondered when it would happen, since we’re both mature, experience­d grown-ups.

When we first actually “made out” with more feeling (but no sexual intercours­e), he had premature ejaculatio­n. It’s also happened again as we hug with more passion. How do I raise discussing this topic since he’s so shy and sensitive?

– Awkward Hugs

Here’s the question that matters most to you: Can a man with premature ejaculatio­n become a healthy sexual partner?

Yes, if he deals with the condition. Some 30 to 40 per cent have it at some time in their life.

America’s acknowledg­ed prestigiou­s source, the Mayo Clinic, says this: “Common treatment options for premature ejaculatio­n include behavioura­l techniques, topical anaestheti­cs, medication­s and counsellin­g ... it might take time to find the treatment or combinatio­n of treatments that will work for you. Behavioura­l treatment plus drug therapy might be the most effective course.”

So your “shy guy” can start doing something about this condition. Also, it’s unlikely that he hasn’t known about it before this.

Have your first discussion with yourself: Are you ready to be his partner in tackling this and trying different treatments?

Or is it too early for you to be taking on a team approach, which can make sexual activity a frustratin­g “project” for you until it’s resolved?

Be aware that stress, depression, performanc­e anxiety, even guilt can affect his ability to sustain an erection.

So can abnormal hormone levels and inflammati­on/infection of the prostate or urethra be a cause, which a doctor must check.

You need to know him better to understand what’s possibly the cause.

Meanwhile, go slow with the relationsh­ip, until you feel committed to having a future with this man.

Tip of the day: Premature ejaculatio­n is a common male problem, with a variety of behavioura­l and medical treatments available.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Canada