What is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual dysfunction where ejaculation occurs regularly within two minutes of sexual activity. There is not a correct length to sex, it will vary from person to person quite significantly.  It may be better described as the occurrence of ejaculation earlier than both sexual partners wish. Regular premature ejaculation leading to feelings of anxiety, shame or embarrassment should be addressed as soon as possible.

According to the American Urological Association, 30-40% of men will experience PE during their life. Failing to talk about the condition often delays treatment

What causes Premature Ejaculation?

PE sufferers can be split into two major groups, life-long and acquired PE. Those with life-long PE tend to have physical causes while those with acquired PE tend to have more psychological causes. Both types may be managed effectively with therapy and medicinal treatments.

Physical causes of PE

• Natural sensitivity - some men will have a higher number of nerves in the penis.
• Erectile dysfunction often results in PE due to fear of losing an erection during sex.
• Medical conditions - prostate and thyroid problems can both affect ejaculation including the quality of ejaculate and time to ejaculation.
• Alcohol - large consumption of alcohol can lead to many sexual dysfunctions including PE.
• Medicines - changes to chemical or hormone balance from medicines like steroids and antidepressants.
• illicit drugs - they modify the body’s response and ejaculatory reflex.

Psychological causes of PE

• Stress & Anxiety typically performance anxiety, particularly with new partners as fear of rejection, past traumatic sexual experiences, and fear of losing an erection are most apparent. 
• Depression - often leads to poor confidence and rushed sexual experiences.

How to stop premature ejaculation

Treatments for premature ejaculation can be a combination of therapy, medicines, and lifestyle changes and technique. It’s best to discuss the condition with a health professional to find the best way of treating your premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation pills - Priligy

Priligy (Dapoxetine) is from a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While SSRIs are mainly used to treat depression, Priligy is specifically used 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. 

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 orgasms by making the penis less sensitive. Examples of these products are the numbing cream EMLA cream and Stud 100 Spray. 

These products should be used with a condom or wiped away after being absorbed. This is to avoid causing the side effect of numbness for your partner.

Natural treatments for Premature ejaculation

There are some men who prefer to treat PE naturally. There are a number of ways to achieve this, although if PE persists it is best to have a discussion with your doctor about other treatments.

The Squeeze technique

Once you become close to ejaculating, withdraw and gently squeeze the penis just below the head between the index finger and thumb for 10-20 seconds. This will generally make the desire to ejaculate pass and you can return to sex.

The stop-start technique

Once you become close to ejaculating stop or slow movement until the feeling goes away, then continue.

Sex therapy

Seeing a sex therapist can help men who are experiencing performance anxiety or men affected by sexual trauma. Working through the underlying causes may permanently cure premature ejaculation or successfully manage it, improving your sex life.

Masturbation

A build-up of sexual anticipation can result in becoming too aroused, leading to PE. Masturbating a few hours before sex can help relieve over-arousal. Do not masturbate too close to sex as it can result in the temporary inability to gain an erection.

Kegel exercises

Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles around the penis can allow men to have much more control over when they ejaculate. Specific exercises exist that can target these muscle groups.

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: 02/06/2021