Premature Ejaculation

What is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is a common problem where men ejaculate too quickly during sex or sexual activity. It can be a distressing problem for some men and their partners. It can cause feelings of anxiety about their sex life if it happens regularly. 

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common ejaculation problem. Some people have long term PE which can be an issue throughout their life. Other people can have acquired PE, which can happen to men who have not experienced it during sex previously.

PE is sometimes defined as ejaculating within 2 minutes of sexual intercourse. It may be better described as the occurrence of ejaculation earlier than both sexual partners wish.

Premature ejaculation may be caused by a number of physical or psychological factors, or a combination of both. Physical causes include an underactive or overactive thyroid, prostate problems, and recreational drug use. 

Psychological causes may include relationship problems, depression, worrying about sexual performance, and stress.

The above factors are more likely to be the cause if a man suddenly experiences acquired PE. Lifelong PE is thought to have different causes. See the NHS website for more information on the causes of lifelong PE.

In young (and sometimes older) men, PE often improves as sexual experience increases or familiarity with a partner increases.

Self Help

There are some tips that men can use to try to treat premature ejaculation. Some men may find doing the following helpful:

• Wearing a thick condom
• Taking breaks during sex
• Masturbating one or two hours before sex
• Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation may help PE, see the NHS page on pelvic floor exercises for further information

Some people may benefit from having couples therapy and can learn different techniques from therapy to improve their premature ejaculation.

Priligy

Priligy is a type of medicine called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). They are commonly used to treat depression but Priligy can be prescribed for PE. 

It works by altering the actions of chemicals in the brain that result in ejaculation. It should be taken between 1-3 hours before intercourse and can last for up to 12 hours after. It can be taken with or without food, however, you should not drink alcohol when taking Priligy. Alcohol can have a negative impact on the time it takes to ejaculate.

Never take more than one tablet within a 24 hour period.

Priligy is licensed for men between the ages of 18-64 who have had PE for at least 6 months. Priligy is the only licensed premature ejaculation pill for men, although other similar medicines (SSRIs) are sometimes prescribed.

Priligy works for around 8 out of 10 men (80%). Generally, the time taken to ejaculate should double or triple. However, it should be noted that this is not a premature ejaculation cure. It will only work when you take it, and any underlying causes of PE should be addressed.

Topical Anaesthetics

Other premature ejaculation products contain anaesthetic ingredients like lidocaine. These are applied to the penis and help to delay ejaculation by making the penis less sensitive to stimulation. Examples of these products are the anesthetic cream EMLA cream (contains lidocaine and prilocaine) and Stud 100 Spray (contains lidocaine). 

These products should be used with a condom to avoid causing the side effect of numbness for your partner.

Drugs that treat erectile dysfunction (like Viagra) are not licensed to treat PE. However, some early research has shown that they may be useful in men with PE.

While many men may feel they suffer from PE, having variation in the time taken to ejaculate is normal. Premature ejaculation is diagnosed when ejaculation occurs either before or up to one minute into sexual intercourse, usually with minimal stimulation. The diagnosis is more likely if this occurs frequently.

Premature ejaculation may be accompanied by psychological symptoms because it can cause stress and anxiety for men who experience it frequently.

What is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is a common problem where men ejaculate too quickly during sex. PE is sometimes defined as ejaculating within 2 minutes of sexual intercourse. But it may be better described as the occurrence of ejaculation earlier than both sexual partners wish. 

It can be a distressing problem for some men and their partners. It can cause stress and feelings of anxiety around sex if it happens regularly.

How to stop premature ejaculation?

A number of treatment options are available to help men with premature ejaculation. This includes premature ejaculation medication such as Priligy or EMLA cream. Other options include seeing a couples therapist, and self-help tips such as masturbating prior to sex.

What causes premature ejaculation?

Causes of premature ejaculation include both physical and psychological factors. Physical causes include an underactive or overactive thyroid, prostate problems, and recreational drug use.

Psychological causes may include depression, relationship problems, worry about sexual performance, and stress.

How to cure premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation tablets such as Priligy can be helpful in the treatment of premature ejaculation. Couples therapy may be effective at improving premature ejaculation and a therapist may recommend techniques to help. This includes the ‘squeeze technique’ and the ‘stop-go technique’. See the NHS page on ejaculation problems for further information about both techniques.

Content Reviewed: 04/01/2021