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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Pamela Stephenson Connolly

I can reach orgasm alone – but not with my partner

Illustration of a woman and a man in profile, both looking worried
‘I am now over 30 and this is becoming a problem.’ Composite: Getty Images/Guardian Design Team. Posed by models

I think I have a problem sexually. I can ejaculate alone when I masturbate, but not with a partner. This is becoming a problem as my partner is complaining about my inability to ejaculate when I am with her. I am now over 30 and it is starting to get me worried. Is there any treatment or help I can get? I really love this woman and find her sexy, but I am not able to get to the point of ejaculation.

The transition from solo sex to satisfying partner sex is not always easy. Some people become so accustomed to particular types of touch, pressure or strokes during masturbation that they find switching to the different sensations with another person extremely challenging. In addition, some people require intense focus to achieve orgasm or ejaculation, and the anxiety or distraction of intimacy with a partner interrupts their usual process.

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