Premature ejaculation (PE) means reaching orgasm sooner than you or your partner want. It’s common — up to about 30% of men report problems with control at some point — and it can feel embarrassing, but there are straightforward things you can try right away.
Start-stop method — during sex or masturbation, stop stimulation just before you feel close to ejaculation. Wait 20–30 seconds, let the urge drop, then start again. Repeat this 3–4 times before allowing ejaculation. It trains your body to delay climax.
Squeeze technique — when you’re near climax, gently squeeze the head of the penis for 5–10 seconds until the urge eases. Then resume. This reduces sensitivity and can buy more time.
Condoms and thicker condoms — they lower sensation and often add a few extra minutes. Special delay condoms exist with a mild numbing ring.
Change rhythm and position — slower thrusts and switching positions can reduce arousal speed. Add longer foreplay so both partners feel satisfied even if intercourse is shorter.
Reduce performance anxiety — breathing slowly, focusing on sensations (not timing), and open communication with your partner can calm nerves. Try sensate-focus exercises: non-sexual touching that removes pressure to perform.
Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises help. Find the muscles by stopping urine midstream. Do 10 slow squeezes (hold 3–5 seconds), then 10 quick squeezes. Aim for three short sessions a day. It strengthens control over climax.
Medications: Dapoxetine is a short-acting SSRI approved in many countries specifically for PE; you take it 1–3 hours before sex. Other SSRIs (paroxetine, sertraline) are used daily off-label and can delay ejaculation but need medical guidance. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, and tiredness.
Topical anesthetics (lidocaine/prilocaine creams or sprays) reduce sensitivity. Apply 10–15 minutes before sex, then wipe off as directed—otherwise your partner can be numbed too. Use only products with clear dosing instructions.
PDE5 inhibitors (like sildenafil) may help men who have PE with erectile issues. Counseling or sex therapy is very effective when anxiety or relationship issues play a big role.
See a doctor if PE causes stress, hurts your relationship, or if it started suddenly. Your doctor can check for medical causes, review meds that might affect sexual function, and recommend therapy or prescriptions.
Quick practical tip: don’t order pills from sketchy sites. Get a proper prescription and use a trusted pharmacy or ask your clinician for safe options.
PE is fixable for most men. Try simple techniques first, add exercises, and talk to a clinician about medications or therapy if you need more help. Open talk with your partner usually helps more than you expect.
