The British pharmaceutical company Plethora Solutions has developed a new spray, called PSD502, to help men who experience premature ejaculation. Unlike creams, which may reduce the pleasure of sex because they deaden the feeling of the entire area (and potentially areas of one’s partner, if any stray dabs are misplaced), this preparation acts on specific regions of the penis, within a shorter period of time, with less hassle, and does not require a condom.
PSD502 contains aerosolized lidocaine and prilocaine. The spray is considered an improvement upon former treatment options because it desensitizes only non-keratinized skin. This means the glans surface and the inner lining of the foreskin will be affected, but the sensation of ejaculation and the feeling in the remainder of the penis will not. The spray makes it possible for sex to be more spontaneous, or for intimacy to be initiated and the spray applied at the most critical point.
US trials were set to be completed in 2009. However, as of this writing, PSD502 is not yet available for purchase.
The downside of spraying
The treatment does delay ejaculation, but whether users will find the length of time significant enough to bother may be a topic for debate. Subjects in the study showed a significant order of latency improvement, but they were only able to increase their intravaginal time from thirty seconds to about four minutes.
What I find interesting is that the placebo group was able to double their time, achieving a full minute of latency before ejaculation occurred. This may be due to the observer effect, but even so, there was a factor present which extended latency without use of the spray.
Do I even have a problem?
A major factor in whether premature ejaculation is considered a problem is the perception of the male who is having the experience. Men with lower latency times who are pleased with their performance do not report a problem, even when their times are considered to fall below the accepted latency threshold. Of course, if you ask their partners, there may be some disagreement voiced. However, it is important to note that failure to fully please a partner is not a difficulty limited to those with ejaculatory issues.
What hurts
Ideas on causes range from hormonal levels to heightened sensitivity of nerves, unusual makeup of the semen, and psychological issues. Triggers can include a new partner, religious beliefs, trauma, a physical condition, a non supportive partner, or masturbatory practices which have accustomed a person to certain pressures and styles of stimulation.
What helps
In some cases, behavioral retraining can help extend the latency period, if not overcome the problem. Magnesium deficiency is a possible cause with a simple cure through dietary change. An increase in serotonin levels has been linked to a lower incidence of premature ejaculation, which explains in part why anti-depressants have been an effective treatment.
Yeah, but what can I do about it?
Education in and exploration of a wider range of sexual practices may help men who feel their latency time is not adequate for their needs or a partner’s needs. The rituals of Tantric practices involve meditation, focus on slow movements and stillness, which may help in developing greater control. Sexual practices which focus the stimulation and attention on other areas–those which are not phallocentric–may help not only improve ejaculatory problems, but sexual enjoyment overall.
Those affected by psychological issues may see improvement in latency time by addressing difficulties in other areas of their lives. Depression, stress, and poor self-esteem are all thought to lead to trouble between the sheets. And rightfully so, because the negative sides of life do not respect specific boundaries and are not easily left at the bedroom door. In fact, intimacy may exacerbate personal problems.
Self-awareness will not make you less masculine
Sexual repression and intimacy issues do affect male sexual performance. And while it may not be something that is talked about openly, male performance does have an emotional component. There is a link between performance and the condition of the interpersonal relationship with the partner. It may not always come into play and the degree varies from person to person, but it can have a significant effect.
Premature ejaculation is not something men should feel (or be made to feel) embarrassed about. If it has a major, negative impact on your life, speak to your physician about the subject. Speak to your partner, if you feel safe doing so, and explain what you are feeling and experiencing. Together you can explore methods other than old fashioned intercourse to achieve release and satisfaction for both partners.
(Side note: Since the creation of this article, Shionogi Pharma has performed trials on the spray and the product is still in the works for eventual release.)
References/Resources:
New Topical Spray May Treat Premature Ejaculation
Lacey Dean
American Urological Association
Home of UK based Plethora Solutions pharmaceuticals company
Creators of PSD502
PSD502 Spray Delays Premature Ejaculation
Gizmodo
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