Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are two different conditions, both of which can have devastating effects on your sex life and sense of self. Erectile dysfunction involves the ability to get and maintain and erection. It may be caused by a number of contributing factors, some of which could be serious health concerns. Premature ejaculation does not affect your ability to get or maintain an erection. The issue here is that you climax too quickly, usually less than two minutes after beginning sexual intercourse.