How to stop premature ejaculation

Before turning to medications, several methods of preventing PE can be tried at home. These focus on mental shifts during sex as well as physical changes that may result in lasting longer.

The stop-start technique

The ‘start-stop’ method can be done during sex or masturbation. The key is to stop stimulating the penis (when you feel close to ejaculating) so that you don’t orgasm as quickly.

As well as physically stopping every time you get close, you can try to distract yourself mentally. By thinking non-sexual thoughts you are likely to last longer too.

The pause-squeeze technique

This technique is similar to the ‘stop-start’ method but has one extra step.

When you feel that you’re about to ejaculate during sex, stop stimulating the penis and squeeze it (at the point where the head meets the shaft) for a few seconds. During this time, the urge to ejaculate should pass.

This can be done as many times as necessary.

Condoms

Condoms are known for reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and working as effective contraception. However, they can also help with premature ejaculation.

Try wearing a (preferably thick) condom during sex. This will decrease the sensation in your penis so that it takes longer to reach orgasm.

Masturbation

Masturbating 1-2 hours before sex might also help you last longer. By having your first orgasm before being with your partner, you will likely need more time during sex before you can orgasm again.

Desensitisation

One method for helping PE involves stopping some feeling in the penis. This is known as desensitising.

To do this, pull back the foreskin and apply some lubricant (to the head). Walk around for 10 minutes, so that the exposed part of the penis rubs against your underwear.

This will make the area less sensitive so that you can delay orgasm with your partner.

Changing positions

Try having sex with your partner on top. That way they can control the movement and pull away when you get the urge to ejaculate.

Other sex positions and a bigger focus on oral sex may also help you to engage in sex for longer.

Kegel exercises

One study has linked pelvic floor exercises (also known as kegels) with the treatment of PE.

Forty men with lifelong PE (meaning they have always experienced it) were given 12 weeks to perform pelvic floor exercises regularly. According to the results:

33 out of 40 men (82.5%) gained control of their ejaculatory reflex once the study had ended

This meant that they could hold off from ejaculating during sexual activity.

Kegels are performed by squeezing the muscles in your groin area. It’s an exercise that’s also been linked with treating erectile dysfunction.

Counselling

If you’re in a long-term relationship you might benefit from couple’s counselling. Sometimes PE can cause tension or upset between partners, which in turn might cause anxiety or stress - making the problem worse.

A psychological factor, such as a traumatic experience from childhood can also cause premature ejaculation. Working with a therapist may help you to tackle a deep-rooted issue that you’re struggling with.

If you’re still struggling with premature ejaculation despite trying home remedies, certain treatments may be able to help instead.

Desensitising creams or sprays

Topical creams and sprays can be used to delay ejaculation. Some are over-the-counter, while others (such as Emla cream) are only available on prescription.

These use anaesthetics such as lidocaine or prilocaine to numb the area, decreasing sensitivity and delaying orgasm.

You can apply the cream to your penis (focusing on the head) about 20 minutes before sexual activity. Remember to wash it off before sex to prevent any irritation to your partner.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are from a class of medicines called antidepressants. While they are prescribed to treat anxiety and depression, they are also known for causing a delay in orgasm.

One type of SSRI called Dapoxetine has been specially made to treat premature ejaculation. It acts faster than other antidepressants - you can take it just a few hours before you plan to have sex.

Dapoxetine can be purchased under the brand name Priligy.

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors

PDE-5 inhibitors are primarily used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). However, for some men, they can also help with premature ejaculation.

One study conducted on men with PE found that PDE-5 inhibitors were a more effective treatment compared with those taking the placebo. The study also found that PDE-5s were most successful when combined with SSRIs.

Examples of PDE-5 inhibitors include:

• Viagra (Sildenafil)
• Cialis (Tadalafil)
• Levitra (Vardenafil)
• Spedra (Avanafil)

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