Premature ejaculation occurs when a man reaches orgasm during sexual intercourse earlier than his partner or himself would like. The criteria for diagnosing this disorder are: ejaculation almost always within one minute of penetration or inability to delay ejaculation. On average, the time to orgasm is about five minutes for most men. Premature ejaculation affects many men and can lead to frustration and embarrassment. Some even try to escape the possibility of establishing sexual intimacy for fear of poor performance. However, it is possible to cure this disorder with psychotherapy, the use of sexual techniques that delay ejaculation, and the use of medications. By addressing the problem, both partners have a chance to enjoy sex.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Using Behavioral Techniques
Step 1. Try the "squeeze" method (pause and squeeze)
If you agree with your partner, you may want to try the "squeeze" method to learn how to delay ejaculation.
- It stimulates the penis without introducing it into the partner. Be careful when you are about to ejaculate.
- Ask the partner to press the penis where the glans joins the shaft. He should hold it for a few seconds until the need to ejaculate subsides.
- After 30 seconds, start over with foreplay and repeat if necessary. It will help you take control, allowing you to penetrate without ejaculating immediately.
- A variation of the "squeeze" method is the "stop and go" technique. It is similar to the previous one, except that the partner does not have to put any pressure on the penis.
Step 2. Use some self-help techniques
These are methods you can do yourself that can help you delay ejaculation:
- Masturbate before intercourse. If you plan on having sex during the evening, try masturbating an hour or two earlier.
- Use a delaying condom that is able to reduce the stimuli you receive - it may give you more time to orgasm. Avoid using condoms designed to increase stimulation.
- Breathe deeply before ejaculating. This way you could stop the reflex phenomenon of ejaculation. Another technique that may help you is to think about something boring until the urge to orgasm is gone.
Step 3. Change your position when having sex
If you're usually on top of your partner, consider going backwards or taking a position that allows your partner to move away from you if you're about to ejaculate.
Afterwards, once the urge to ejaculate has passed, resume having sex
Step 4. Go to therapy
You can do it alone or by involving your partner. It can be helpful in addressing:
- Performance anxiety or other stressors in your life. Sometimes, when a man fears that he will not be able to get or maintain an erection, he gets into the habit of ejaculating quickly.
- A traumatic experience of a sexual nature that occurred when you were younger. Some psychologists believe that if the first sexual experiences are accompanied by a sense of guilt or a fear of being discovered, one can get used to ejaculating very quickly.
- Relationship problems could be a determining factor. Such a situation can occur if relational difficulties emerge that have never occurred in previous relationships. In such circumstances, couples therapy may be helpful.
Step 5. Try a local anesthetic
These are pharmaceutical products, such as sprays or creams, sold without a prescription. Just apply them on the penis before sexual intercourse to decrease physical sensations and delay orgasm. Some men, and sometimes their partners, report a temporary loss of sensation and reduced pleasure. Among the most common local anesthetics are:
- Lidocaine
- Prilocaine
Part 2 of 2: Receiving Medical Assistance
Step 1. See your doctor if self-help techniques are not working for you
Sometimes, premature ejaculation indicates that there is another problem underlying it. Among the various possibilities we highlight:
- Diabetes;
- Hypertension;
- Consumption of alcohol or drugs;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Prostate problems
- Depression;
- Hormonal imbalances;
- Problems related to neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that send signals to the brain;
- Abnormal reflexes in the ejaculatory mechanism;
- Thyroid problems
- An infection of the prostate or urethra
- Damage from surgery or trauma. They are not common;
- Hereditary diseases.
Step 2. Ask your doctor about dapoxetine (priligy)
It is similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but was designed to treat premature ejaculation. It is a relatively new drug. If prescribed, you must take it one to three hours before sexual intercourse.
- Don't take it more than once a day, or it could cause side effects, including headaches, lightheadedness, and a general feeling of being unwell.
- It is not suitable for men suffering from heart, liver or kidney disease. It can also interfere with the action of other medications, including some antidepressants.
Step 3. Consult your doctor about other drugs that delay orgasm
In some countries, such as the United States, the bodies that deal with the regulation of food and pharmaceutical products (in this case, the Food and Drug Administration) have not allowed their use in the treatment of premature ejaculation, although they are known to delay orgasm. However, your doctor may advise you to take them as needed or daily.
- Some antidepressants. Options include certain SSRIs, such as sertraline (zoloft), paroxetine, fluoxetine (prozac) or clomipramine (anafranil). Side effects can include nausea, dry mouth, lightheadedness, and decreased interest in sex.
- Tramadol. This drug is used to relieve pain. One of the side effects is that it can delay ejaculation. Other side effects include nausea, headache and lightheadedness.
- Type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors. These are drugs often used to treat erectile dysfunction. They include sildenafil (viagra, revatio), tadalafil (cialis, adcirca) and vardenafil (levitra). Side effects include headaches, hot flashes, visual disturbances, and nasal congestion.
