Premature Ejaculation: What It Is and What You Can Do

If sex ends sooner than you or your partner want, that’s premature ejaculation (PE). It’s common — many men face it at some point — and it has clear fixes. This page gives straightforward causes, simple techniques you can try today, and the medical options worth talking about with your doctor.

Causes and when to see a doctor

PE can be due to biology, psychology, or both. Biological reasons include high penile sensitivity, low serotonin activity in the brain, inflammation or infection, and some medications or medical conditions. Psychological triggers are stress, anxiety about performance, relationship issues, or past sexual experiences. If PE happens often and causes distress for you or your partner, book a medical check. Your doctor will ask about your sexual history, overall health, and medications. They may run basic tests — blood sugar, hormones, or a urine test — only if a medical condition is suspected.

Practical treatments you can try

Start with low-effort changes that often help. Try the start‑stop method: during sex or masturbation, pause stimulation before you reach climax, wait 20–30 seconds, then continue. The squeeze technique is similar — squeeze the head of the penis for a few seconds when you feel close, which can delay ejaculation. Practice these during solo sessions to learn your timing.

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) strengthen the muscles that control ejaculation. Tighten the pelvic muscles for 3–5 seconds, relax for 5 seconds, repeat 10 times a session and do three sessions daily for a few weeks. Many men notice better control within a month.

Topical anesthetics like lidocaine or prilocaine creams or sprays reduce sensation and can delay ejaculation. Apply as instructed and wash off if you don’t want numbness to transfer to your partner. Condoms also lower sensitivity and can help.

Oral medications are an option when behavioral steps aren’t enough. Dapoxetine is a short‑acting SSRI approved for PE in several countries and taken before sex. Other SSRIs (paroxetine, sertraline) and tricyclics (clomipramine) are used off‑label but can require daily dosing and cause side effects like nausea or sexual changes. Some men combine SSRIs with a PDE5 inhibitor (sildenafil or tadalafil) if erection issues coexist. Always talk to a doctor before starting medication to discuss benefits and risks.

Therapy helps when anxiety or relationship issues drive PE. A sex therapist or counselor can teach techniques, address worry or past trauma, and include your partner in sessions for better outcomes.

Most men improve with a mix of approaches. If initial steps don’t help within a few months, see a healthcare provider for a tailored plan. PE is treatable — you don’t have to accept it as permanent.