Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is a common issue that can affect men of all ages, often leading to frustration, embarrassment and even relationship concerns. Read More See less

It happens when ejaculation occurs sooner than desired during sex. While it’s nothing to be ashamed of it can have a real impact on confidence.

 

But don’t worry as there are treatments available to help you to manage symptoms and regain control. Whether you’re looking for delay sprays, tablets or you need support managing related concerns like anxiety, we explain your options below.

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What is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is when a man ejaculates sooner than wanted during sex. It can happen before or just after penetration, often with little stimulation.

It is one of the most common sexual health concerns in men, and can be something that happens occasionally or as an ongoing problem.

While it’s not usually a sign of something serious - it can still affect confidence, relationships and overall wellbeing.

If it’s happening regularly and causing you distress, it’s worth exploring the possible causes and treatments to help you feel more in control.

 

How common is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is very common, affecting up to 1 in 3 men at some point in their lives.

For some, it happens occasionally and resolves itself on its own. For others, it can be a regular issue that impacts sex and self-esteem on an ongoing basis.

Because of its sensitive nature, many men don’t feel like talking about it. But if it’s causing you stress or affecting your relationship remember that you’re not alone, and support is available.

 

How long do men last in bed?

There’s no set amount of time that sex should last, but research shows the average time for a man to reach ejaculation is around 5-7 minutes.

Some men may last longer - 30 minutes or more - while others may ejaculate much sooner.

Premature ejaculation is usually diagnosed when it happens within about 1 to 3 minutes of penetration, and when it causes distress or frustration.

If it feels like it’s happening too quickly for you or your partner, then it might be time to talk about it and explore some treatment options.

 

What causes premature ejaculation?

There’s no single cause of premature ejaculation - it can be the result of a combination of physical and psychological factors.

For some men it’s something they’ve always experienced, while for others it starts later in life.

Understanding the possible reasons behind it can help you find the right treatment and improve your confidence during sex.

 

Physical causes

Several physical or biological factors may contribute to premature ejaculation, including:

 

  • Hormone imbalances- such as abnormal levels of testosterone or other key hormones
  • Inflammation or infection- especially of the prostate or urethra
  • Nerve sensitivity- increased sensitivity in the penis or an overactive ejaculation reflex
  • Erectile dysfunction- some men with erectile dysfunction may rush to ejaculate before losing an erection
  • Certain medications or substance use- recreational drugs such as cocaine or withdrawal from certain medications can bring on quicker ejaculations
  • Genetics- some men may have inherited traits that make them more prone to early ejaculation

 

Psychological causes

Mental and emotional factors can have a big impact on how long sex lasts too. These can include:

 

  • Performance anxiety- worrying about finishing too quickly can make it more likely
  • Stress or depression- daily life stress, low self-esteem or mental health conditions may contribute
  • Relationship issues - tension or lack of communication with a partner can make sex more difficult
  • Sexual abuse or early sexual experiences - traumatic or rushed experiences can influence sexual response later in life
  • Learned behaviour- such as developing a pattern of rushing during sex or masturbation

 

How to stop premature ejaculation

There’s no universal solution to stopping premature ejaculation, but the good news is that it can often be managed with the right approach.

Some men benefit from simple behavioural techniques, while others may need medical treatment to help delay ejaculation and improve confidence during sex.

Things that may help include:

 

  • The start-stop method - pausing sexual activity just before ejaculation, then starting again
  • The squeeze technique - gently squeezing the head of the penis to reduce arousal before continuing - this can be repeated as needed
  • Pelvic floor exercises - strengthening muscles through Kegel exercises can give better control
  • Using protection - condoms may reduce sensitivity and help you last longer
  • Talking to a partner or therapist - communication and support can ease anxiety

 

Treatments

If lifestyle techniques aren’t enough, there are medical treatments available that may help you last longer. These include:

 

  • Pills and tablets â€“ such as dapoxetine, a short-acting medication specifically used to treat premature ejaculation by increasing serotonin levels and delaying climax
  • Topical sprays and creams â€“ such as STUD100 work by numbing the penis slightly to reduce sensitivity, helping to delay ejaculation without affecting erection
  • Other tablets â€“ some treatments for erectile dysfunction, like sildenafil (Viagra), are sometimes used to improve sexual confidence and performance, though they don’t treat premature ejaculation directly

 

Everyone’s experience is different, so it may take a bit of trial and error at first to find what works best for you.

 

Is there a cure for premature ejaculation?

While there isn’t a single cure for premature ejaculation that works for everyone, it can often be successfully managed.

Many men find long-term improvement through a mix of lifestyle changes, therapy and treatment, while for others symptoms may go away completely on their own.

The right approach depends on what’s causing the issue. For example, if premature ejaculation is linked to stress or anxieties around past trauma, talking therapies or mental health support may help.

If it’s more physical, medication, exercise, sexual techniques or numbing sprays can make a big difference.

So, while there’s no one-size-fits-all cure, there are proven ways to take control of premature ejaculation and improve your sex life over time.

 

Can you get pregnant from premature ejaculation?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to get pregnant from premature ejaculation. Even if ejaculation happens before penetration or very early during sex, sperm can still be present in the fluid released from the penis - also known as pre-ejaculate. If any sperm reaches the vagina, there’s a chance it could lead to pregnancy.

That’s why it’s important to use contraception - even if premature ejaculation seems to bring an end to intercourse quickly.

If you’re unsure which method of protection is right for you, speak to your GP for advice.

 

Sources

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546701/
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ejaculation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354900
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547548/
  4. https://patient.info/mens-health/penis-problems/premature-ejaculation
  5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sensitive-penis#when-to-see-a-doctor
  6. https://www.baus.org.uk/patients/conditions/8/premature_ejaculation/
  7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ejaculation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354905
  8. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB04884
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is when a man ejaculates too quickly during sex.

 

Although it is a common problem that many men deal with at one point or another, they may not want to talk about it openly

 

The average time for ejaculation is 5 and a half minutes, but it may be longer for men who have sex with men.

 

You may have premature ejaculation if you regularly ejaculate within 1 minute of entering your partner, but it’s up to the two of you to decide whether it’s a problem or not.

 

Some of the most common causes of premature ejaculation include:

  • Prostate problems
  • Thyroid problems
  • Using recreational drugs
  • Depression, stress, or other emotional problems
  • Anxiety about your relationship or sexual performance

Can premature ejaculation affect my ability to conceive?

As long as your sperm enters the vagina, your partner can still become pregnant.

 

However, if you ejaculate before penetration, your partner won’t be able to conceive - this might occur frequently if premature ejaculation is a problem for you.

 

The pressure of trying to have a baby may be causing you anxiety and stress, which can make your premature ejaculation more severe.

 

If you and your partner are trying to conceive and premature ejaculation is getting in the way, speak to your doctor for advice and suitable treatments.

Is premature ejaculation more common in young adults?

Premature ejaculation is more common in males in their teens and early twenties - in fact, most men will experience it at some point in their lives.

 

Younger men are likely to be less sexually experienced or feel unease in sexual situations, causing premature ejaculation; it generally takes longer to ejaculate when you get older.

 

It only becomes a problem if it occurs for the majority of the time when you’re sexually intimate with your partner.

What are the treatments for premature ejaculation?

There are multiple treatment options for premature ejaculation, ranging from behavioural techniques, wearing a thick condom to reduce the sensation on the penis, or medication like Priligy which works to delay your ejaculation time.

 

When you dedicate yourself to treatment, most men will recover from premature ejaculation, but if the problem persists, speak to your healthcare provider to find a solution that works for you.

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