Premature Ejaculation

What is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is a condition where a man ejaculates too early, often with very little stimulation, during sexual intercourse.

A study involving 500 couples found the average time for ejaculation was about 5-and-a-half minutes after starting sex. This time could be longer for men who have sex with men.

International guidelines define premature ejaculation as regularly ejaculating within 1 minute of entering your partner.

However, it's up to you and your partner to decide if you're happy with the time it takes you to ejaculate. Because of this, a doctor will usually take into account the emotional and psychological effects on the man, rather than just the time it physically takes.

If you and your partner are happy with your sex life, it doesn't matter how long you last in bed. If, however, 'finishing too soon' is causing you distress or creating problems in your relationship, there are medical treatments that can help.

How can you fix premature ejaculation?

There are several prescription, over-the-counter and home remedies that can be effective in treating premature ejaculation. The best option for you depends on your specific situation, but these are a few of the most popular options:

• SSRIs: Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, prescription medications like Priligy (dapoxetine) have been shown to be effective in treating premature ejaculation
• PDE5 inhibitors: ED medications, such as sildenafil (generic for Viagra) or tadalafil (generic for Cialis), can be used to treat both premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. If you ejaculate too quickly, this may be the option for you, especially if you also struggle with getting erections, maintaining them, or achieving another one after your refractory period
• Masturbating 1 to 2 hours before having sex
• Using a thick condom to help decrease sensation
• Stop-start technique: When you feel the urge to ejaculate, stop having sexual activity completely. Once you feel less aroused, slowly start to have sexual activity again. Repeat process as much as necessary to help you control ejaculation
• Squeeze technique: When you feel you’re ready to ejaculate, stop and have you or your partner squeeze the end of your penis where the head joins the shaft to decrease arousal
• Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can help you to control the muscles around your urethra, which studies show can help with premature ejaculation

How long does Priligy (Dapoxetine) last?

Priligy (Dapoxetine) is most effective 1-3 hours after it is taken, but can sometimes retain its effects for up to 12 hours. Priligy works in around 80% of men (approximately 8 out of 10), effectively lengthening the time it takes them to ejaculate by double or even triple.

However, it’s not a cure for premature ejaculation. Like erectile dysfunction medications (such as Viagra), it can only work as and when you take it.