Our understanding of premature ejaculation has evolved over time.
In days gone by, men who suffered from this condition were likely to be told that the problem was all in their head.
Of course, telling man to simply get over his PE isn't an effective solution.
As a result, many men - as well as their sexual partners - suffered in silent embarrassment.
  What these men didn't know was that their situation was hardly unique.
The majority of men struggle with PE at some point.
In fact, studies have shown that over half of all men have gone through periods of personal stress and anxiety that caused them to ejaculate too quickly.
Low levels of the chemical serotonin have been known to cause PE.
Prostatitis is another culprit.
  Prostatitis is the ongoing inflammation of the prostate.
The prostate is a small gland that resembles a walnut, located between a man's bladder and the base of his penis.
One function of the prostate is to produce the clear part of a man's semen, the fluid that contains his sperm.
This prostatic liquid primes the sperm and gets them ready for delivery into the woman's body.
  Problems occur when the prostate becomes swollen.
When the enlarged gland presses against the urethra, it causes an uncomfortable urge to urinate.
Swollen prostates can also press against the inner structures of the base of the penis, resulting in an urgency to achieve orgasm.
That might sound like a trivial symptom to some, but the emotional duress caused by premature ejaculation is very real.
Plus, an enlarged prostate can be a sign of inflammation or disease.
  If you're experiencing premature ejaculation, arrange an appointment to be screened for prostatitis.
Discovering the root cause of premature ejaculation is the first step in overcoming this treatable condition.