Premature ejaculation FAQs

1. Am I experiencing premature ejaculation?
2. I have experienced premature ejaculation - am I impotent?
3. Who is premature ejaculation more likely to affect?
4. Why does premature ejaculation happen?
5. I think I am suffering from premature ejaculation - what should I do?
6. Do I have to tell my partner about my premature ejaculation?
7. Can this condition be cured?
8. Can I get a prescription treatment to help?
9. What about non-medical treatments?
10. Are there any surgical options?

Am I experiencing premature ejaculation?

You should be aware that the amount of time it takes before ejaculating during intercourse varies widely from one individual to another. This means that ejaculation that might be considered premature for one man may be considered normal for another. For example, if you are used to lasting for ten minutes before ejaculation, then you might consider it premature to ejaculate after five minutes. Doctors tend to diagnose premature ejaculation when ejaculation occurs within two minutes.

I have experienced premature ejaculation - am I impotent?

These two conditions are often confused, but they are completely separate. Impotence is diagnosed when a man is unable to gain an erection that is sufficient or lasts long enough for the completion of intercourse. Premature ejaculation occurs when an erection is achieved without difficulty but intercourse is not sustained for as long as desired.

Who is premature ejaculation more likely to affect?

Premature ejaculation can affect any man of any age. It is very common, with estimates suggesting that one in three men experience this problem at least once in their lives.

Why does premature ejaculation happen?

Causes of premature ejaculation are usually psychological, affected by issues such as stress, depression and anxiety. Conditioning developed from early sexual experiences can also lead to premature ejaculation. Physiological causes can include high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate disease and multiple sclerosis. Pelvic injuries can also lead to premature ejaculation.

I think I am suffering from premature ejaculation - what should I do?

You should speak to your doctor if you are concerned that you are suffering from premature ejaculation as they will be able to confirm the diagnosis and then recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Do I have to tell my partner about premature ejaculation?

Only you can make this decision, but talking through the problem with your partner could help to address any potential psychological factors, such as relationship concerns. If you choose to attempt any of the natural techniques, such as the Masters-Johnson technique, your partner will need to understand the reason so they can cooperate fully.

Can this condition be cured?

There is no magical solution to this problem, but there are a number of different treatments and techniques which can be utilised to solve the problem over time.

Can I get a prescription treatment to help?

There is only one prescription medication available to treat premature ejaculation, and that is Priligy. This comes in the form of tablets which need to be taken orally. This medication is clinically proven to lengthen the time before ejaculation.

What about non-medical treatments?

Non-medical treatments such as particular penis exercises can be very effective to treat premature ejaculation but they do require dedication and time. One example is the "stop-start" method, which involves masturbating and then stopping before ejaculating in order to condition yourself to last longer before ejaculating. It is also possible to buy creams or gels that are said to desensitise the penis, helping you to last longer. The problem with these treatments is that they can spoil the moment and make sex feel less pleasurable. Some men feel they benefit from therapy, such as relationship counselling, which can help to address the underlying psychological causes.

Are there any surgical options?

Surgery is not usually recommended to solve premature ejaculation problems, mainly because it is not necessary. The methods discussed above are usually sufficient to solve the problem.