Premature Ejaculation

About 1 in 3 men say they’ve had premature ejaculation (PE) at some point — and it’s more common than people talk about. If you’ve felt embarrassed, frustrated, or worried it ruins sex, you’re not alone. This page gives clear, practical steps you can try tonight and explains medical options so you can choose what feels right.

Quick at-home techniques that actually work

Want something simple you can try without a prescription? Start with two proven methods: the stop-start and the squeeze technique. In stop-start, you or your partner stop stimulation just before you feel you’ll ejaculate, wait 30–60 seconds, then continue. Repeat this 3–4 times in one session. The squeeze method means you or your partner gently squeezes the head of the penis where you feel the climax building until the urge fades. Both methods train your body to delay climax over weeks.

Another easy tweak: change positions if you notice one gets you too close to climax. Slow down breathing and focus on longer, softer strokes. Masturbating an hour or two before sex can help for some men. Try pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) daily: tighten pelvic muscles for 3–5 seconds, relax, repeat 10–15 times, three times a day. Stronger pelvic muscles can boost control.

Medical and therapy options

If techniques don’t help, medications and therapy are next. Dapoxetine is a short-acting SSRI made for PE in some countries — it can delay ejaculation when taken 1–3 hours before sex. Other SSRIs are used off-label but need weeks to work and have more side effects. Topical anesthetic creams or sprays reduce sensation and can help when applied briefly before sex; just check with a partner to avoid numbness for them.

Counseling and sex therapy are very effective when anxiety, relationship problems, or past experiences feed the issue. A short series of sessions with a sex therapist can change how you think about sex and remove performance pressure. If erectile problems occur too, some men use PDE5 inhibitors (like sildenafil) alongside other treatments — talk to your doctor about combinations.

When should you see a doctor? If PE is causing stress, harming your relationship, or you want a medical check, see a GP or urologist. They’ll check for underlying causes like hormonal issues, prostate problems, or medication side effects, and suggest the safest treatment plan. Be honest — doctors have heard it all and want to help.

Small changes often make a big difference. Try one behavioral technique for a few weeks, add pelvic floor work, and talk to your partner. If that’s not enough, medical or therapeutic help is available. You don’t have to accept PE as permanent — many men gain reliable control with the right mix of simple habits and professional support.