Men are more likely to seek professional help for sexual performance issues than ever before. Today’s man knows that going to see the doctor isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign that he’s ready to take control of his health once again. Many men are also heading out in record numbers to buy vitamins and supplements that promise to help boost their libido or increase their stamina. This is due, in part, to a general change in focus to a healthier old age and ways in which both men and women can continue to enjoy a healthy and active sex life.

For men dealing with chronic premature ejaculation, new options for treatments include the use of medications originally designed to treat depression. Using a medication in this way is referred to as going off-label. This simply means that the medicine has been found to be effective in a different form of treatment even though it wasn’t initially released or even tested for that purpose. This is a common practice and in fact many medications have been discovered this way. Viagra is the most famous example as it was originally developed, tested and released as a medication for hypertension and angina.

Side Effects and Concerns

The problem with using this approach to treat premature ejaculation has to do with the potential for side effects. The majority of drugs used for this are selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are normally used to treat long term depression and anxiety. The drugs themselves have a number of side effects, some of which are serious. These include nausea, insomnia, weight gain, perspiration and, ironically, erectile dysfunction. But a delay in orgasm is also a common side effect – once which some men want to have. The question becomes – is the risk worth it?

Premature ejaculation is itself a troubling condition. The stress and anxiety associated with this condition can cause any number of physical and psychological side effects, including depression. However, making the decision to treat the condition pharmaceutically can bring with it a host of problems, including making a man’s depression worse. Since another side effect of these medications is often a lowered sex drive, it may be counter-intuitive for men already struggling with low libido to choose a pharmaceutical option. On the other hand, men who are already depressed over the issue often feel they have nothing to lose and see it as a way to reset their system and begin building up from there.

Both positions are valid and it really comes down to what a man has already tried in terms of treatment and what more he is willing to do in order to regain control of his sexual happiness. Quite frankly, it’s a decision each man needs to make in concert with his sex partner and his physician. Some guys baulk at the idea of discussing it with their wife or girlfriend but the simple fact is that this isn’t the kind of condition you can hide. Once things get bad enough, there’s no doubt that she knows there’s a problem – trying to ignore it and avoid the topic can actually become a toxic force in a couple’s relationship. So discussing your sexual health might be at the top of your list of fun things to do, but inviting her to be a part of the therapy process is a great way to build a foundation that will support healthy progress.

Using medication off-label as a treatment for premature ejaculation can work wonders for many men. As a result it has become one of the most popular ways to treat chronic conditions. Nevertheless, it’s important to consider the side effects these medications can have and how those might further impact a man’s sex life. Making the decision with the help of a trained professional and your sex partner can help set the stage for long-term success.