u/4scentsin1day

I’ve been dealing with premature ejaculation since I was a teenager, and it’s been a source of a lot of frustration and shame over the years. Recently, I’ve started connecting the dots to my childhood trauma.

I also struggle with relaxing my bladder and bowels. it’s like my body just won’t fully let go, even when I try. I suspect I have PTSD (not officially diagnosed yet), and reading about how ‘the body keeps the score’ really resonated. Trauma doesn’t just live in memories; it shows up physically—in muscle tension, nervous system dysregulation, and yes, sexual function.

Research and stories from others show links between PTSD/trauma and sexual dysfunctions like PE, often through pelvic floor issues or anxiety patterns wired from a young age. It makes sense: when your body has learned to stay on high alert, true relaxation during vulnerable moments is hard.
I’m starting to explore this—therapy, maybe pelvic floor work—and wanted to share in case it helps anyone else feeling isolated. You’re not broken; your body might just be holding onto old survival patterns. Healing is possible.

Hey all.

So, when I perform a reverse kegel, which to explain the way I do it is to try and “lightly” pee, I slightly push as if I’m trying to urinate. Is this correct?

If so, whenever I do this I got from full hard erection to flaccid within seconds

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to share something personal that might help others who are struggling.

Three years ago, at 22, I was prescribed 10mg Citalopram purely for premature ejaculation. No anxiety or depression at the time — just PE. The side effects hit me hard: I couldn’t sleep, I was constantly hungry and ended up gaining a lot of weight, and everything felt emotionally “numbed.” Life became black and white — no real highs or lows, just flat. It was honestly horrible, and I came off it after a while.

Fast forward to now, I’m 25, and I’ve found myself back on the same medication. This time it’s for low self-esteem, anxiety, racing thoughts, and what might be ADHD symptoms.

The crazy part? It feels completely different now. No insomnia, no constant hunger, no emotional numbness. The side effects I dreaded are gone. It’s actually helping me feel more stable, and my mind isn’t racing as much.

I guess the lesson for me is that the same medication can hit you very differently at different stages of life, depending on what your brain and body need at the time. What was a nightmare at 22 is feeling manageable and even beneficial at 25.

If you’re on (or considering) SSRIs and having a rough time with side effects — hang in there, talk to your doctor, and know that your experience can change as you and your circumstances change. Everyone’s brain chemistry is unique.

Would love to hear from others who’ve had shifting experiences with the same meds over time. No judgment, just real talk.