Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common sexual problems among men. Premature ejaculation is the medical term for ‘coming’ (orgasming) too soon during sexual intercourse, or in the build up to sex. On average, it takes someone anywhere between five and nine minutes to have an orgasm but this differs hugely from person to person.
Any number of things can cause premature ejaculation including anxiety and stress. Other causes can include: Someone who was previously sexually active but hasn’t had sex in a long time may be more likely to ejaculate prematurely when they start having sex again. If you’re stressed or worried about having an orgasm then you might trigger things a little earlier than you want to. Physical conditions or illness are rare but may include an overly tight foreskin and increased sensitivity in the penis.
Relationship difficulties, sexual insecurity or a lack of communication with your partner can also contribute to premature ejaculation. Trying and relax and talk openly with your partner about everything you do in bed can help. Don't rush into sex, spend plenty of time on foreplay as this can help to stop stressing about the act itself and just enjoy being with your partner. Learning to recognise the moment of cumming (orgasming) and controlling the penis can help make sex last for longer.
Other techniques which can help
Try giving the Stop and Start technique a go (stopping stimulation or slowing down before cumming and then waiting until you're less excited) to help control excitement. You can try practising the stop start technique when you're masturbating to get confidence and then practice during sex.
You can also try the squeeze technique. Your partner squeezes the base of the penis when you feel you're about to cum (orgasm). Ask them to gently squeeze until the feeling of cumming has gone. Repeat this until you feel more in control during sex.
Most people last longer if they have already orgasmed once so if you try masturbating before sex you may increase the time it takes for you to ejaculate during intercourse. However, while this may work in the short term it's less beneficial in the long term.
Priligy tablets (Dapoxetine) can be used for the treatment of PE in men aged 18 to 64 years and work by delaying ejaculation and increasing control. Tablets are taken 1-3 hours before intercourse as an on-demand treatment before anticipated sexual activity. Local anaesthetic creams such as EMLA, which are applied to the penis prior to intercourse and can help reduce stimulation, are also available. PE is associated with stress and anxiety and can lead to relationship difficulties. Psychological treatments or counselling may be the best option for some men.
