Now, how does modern medicine explain this complex and delicate condition? While the wisdom of Donguibogam spoke of whole-body balance, modern medicine looks into its causes through a more precise, scientific lens.
The most central part is the role of the brain and the nervous system. In particular, a neurotransmitter called serotonin is important; serotonin functions to inhibit the ejaculatory reflex. That is, if serotonin levels in the brain are low or the sensitivity of serotonin receptors decreases, ejaculatory control becomes difficult, which can cause premature ejaculation. Conversely, neurotransmitters such as dopamine or norepinephrine tend to promote the ejaculatory reflex, and when the delicate balance among them is disrupted, ejaculatory latency can be shortened.
In addition, our autonomic nervous system has a significant influence. The sympathetic nerve, which triggers excitement, and the parasympathetic nerve, which induces relaxation, must stay balanced; under severe stress or tension, the sympathetic nerve becomes hyperactive, excessively triggering the ejaculatory reflex. One could compare it to an overheated engine exploding prematurely. Such hyperactivation of the sympathetic nerve lowers the ejaculatory threshold, which can lead to premature ejaculation.
Of course, physical factors cannot be ignored either. Penile hypersensitivity is one of the important causes; when nerve endings in specific areas are excessively sensitive, even minor stimulation can easily trigger the ejaculatory reflex. Circumcision status, along with urological inflammatory diseases such as prostatitis or urethritis, can also irritate nerves and cause issues with ejaculatory control. Furthermore, endocrine diseases like hyperthyroidism generally accelerate the body's metabolism, which can also affect ejaculatory control.
Yet it is not merely a physical issue. Mental and psychological factors have a profound impact on premature ejaculation. Relationship anxiety, fear of failure, depression, stress, and past negative sexual experiences can undermine the ability to control ejaculation. In particular, obsessive thoughts such as 'if I ejaculate quickly once, it will happen again' create a vicious cycle that worsens the symptom further. These psychological factors affect neurotransmitter secretion in the brain, ultimately leading to a real reduction in ejaculatory control.
In the end, premature ejaculation can be understood as a multifactorial disorder caused by a combination of neurological, hormonal, anatomical, and psychological factors. Therefore, rather than simply hunting down one or two causes to fix, an individualized approach considering a person's overall health status and psychological background is essential. Do not suffer alone; seeking professional guidance can be the wisest solution.
