Premature ejaculation can cause emotional distress for couples and can impact their sexual satisfaction. It may be a sign of an underlying psychological, sexual or relationship issue that can be treated with therapy.
Try behavioral techniques that deter PE, such as thought distraction (counting backwards, thinking of the names of players on your favorite team). Your GP might also recommend anesthetic numbing cream or spray, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor like dapoxetine or erectile dysfunction medications.
Talk to your partner.
Premature ejaculation is an uncomfortable topic for many couples but it’s important to talk about this issue. It’s the best way to find a solution that works for you and your partner.
Men who suffer from PE may feel embarrassed, insecure or worried about losing their masculinity but they’re often not alone. This is a common problem that’s almost always treatable. In fact, it’s not uncommon for GPs to prescribe a combination of behavioral techniques and medication to help men last longer during sex. This might include a treatment like EMLA cream which can help delay orgasms or a phosphodiesterase inhibitor like Viagra to reduce penis stimulation and delay ejaculation.
There are some easy ways to try and slow climax including masturbating before having sex, focusing on foreplay and oral sex, or using condoms that contain numbing agents. Many men also find that taking a small pill before having sex, such as Priligy, helps them last longer.
It’s also a good idea to visit a relationship counsellor if you and your partner want to explore any potential issues that could be affecting your sex life together. Seeing a therapist can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and helping couples to connect better. This can be done face-to-face or over the phone, online or by video conference depending on your preferences.
Seek medical help.
If PE is affecting your relationship, it may be time to talk with a health care professional about different treatment options. There are behavioral techniques that can help, like trying Kegel exercises or changing how you masturbate, and there are also medications such as the SSRI dapoxetine that are effective at treating PE.
It’s important to be open and honest with your doctor about the issue, even though it might feel awkward at first. They will ask questions about your sexual history and why you’re ejaculating prematurely. They will also do a physical exam to make sure it’s not a physical problem, like an infection or abnormal hormone levels.
The most common treatments for PE include behavioral techniques and medications. Behavioral techniques may include thought distractions, such as thinking about names of athletes or other people. Some doctors might recommend a sex or relationship therapist, especially if underlying psychological or emotional problems are contributing to the PE. Counselling can also help with other issues that might be causing PE, such as depression or unrealistic expectations about sex.
If self-help techniques don’t work, your doctor might prescribe a medication to treat PE. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are commonly used to treat depression. One of their side effects is delayed orgasm, which can help prevent PE. The SSRI dapoxetine is specifically used to treat PE and can be taken on demand or as a daily medication. Some Ayurvedic herbal remedies, such as kaunch beej, might also help by boosting sexual stamina and energy.
Try behavioral techniques.
Premature ejaculation is normal, but it can become a problem in some cases. PE can impact up to 30 percent of men and cause frustration for both partners, especially if it prevents sex from reaching orgasm.
Behavioral techniques are often effective for people with PE. These include distraction techniques, such as thinking about nonsexual things and naming sequences (thinking of businesses you pass on your drive to work or the players on your favorite sports team). Another technique is to gently squeeze your penis when you feel the point of no return.
The goal is to retrain your brain so that you ejaculate at the appropriate time in the sexual process. If these techniques aren’t working, a health care provider might do an exam to look for physical causes of PE. These could include a pelvic exam, sex history and blood tests.
If your PE is caused by a psychological or emotional issue, such as performance anxiety, depression, relationship issues and stress or if it interferes with starting a family, you may need to seek help from a psychiatrist, psychologist or couples therapist. Your urologist can direct you to these professionals. If a mental or emotional cause is found, medication such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor may be prescribed. Dapoxetine is an example of an SSRI that’s been shown to be effective in treating PE.
Seek help from a therapist.
Often, the root cause of PE is psychological or emotional and can be treated with therapy. A therapist can help identify any underlying anxiety, relationship issues or sexual dysfunctions that may be contributing to the problem. They can also teach you or your partner a variety of behavioral techniques to reduce the chances of premature ejaculation during sexual intercourse. Some of these include thought distractions, such as thinking about names of sports teams, and a squeeze method to slow orgasm.
Some men with PE are too embarrassed to discuss the issue with their partners, which can lead to feelings of frustration and miscommunication in a relationship. They may also start to doubt their sex abilities, leading to a decline in self-confidence and a reluctance to engage in sexual activity. In the long run, this can lead to a lack of intimacy and even a breakup in the relationship.
Getting help from a professional is not easy, but it’s a necessary step in order to overcome the problem and get back to having an enjoyable sexual experience with your partner. Whether the issue is caused by medication, physical health or an emotional problem, it’s important to find a solution before the PE becomes a major relationship concern or a sexual dysfunction. Getting the right treatment can be as simple as talking with your partner and trying some behavioral techniques, or it could involve more intense psychotherapy sessions that can be either individual or couples-oriented.
