Contents
Premature ejaculation (PE) can make it hard to enjoy foreplay or have sex for as long as you’d like. You reach orgasm too fast, and in some cases, you might even ejaculate before penetrating your sexual partner. You are not alone, though.
Nearly 30% of men report having experienced premature ejaculation in relationships. i PE can be especially frustrating if it starts to cause issues in your sex life. However, the condition is treatable.
What Is Premature Ejaculation: Symptoms and Causes
A man likely has premature ejaculation problems if the reaches climax too soon. ii Sometimes called “early ejaculation” or simply “cumming too fast,” this condition isn’t always manageable with the pause-squeeze technique or willpower. iii The causes for premature ejaculation aren’t entirely clear either, but studies suggest psychological factors could play a role. iv
What Causes Premature Ejaculation?
Many reasons can contribute to this orgasm gap, including age, not enough foreplay and a general lack of sexual knowledge of experience. v Also, anxiety about not having sex long enough to give your partner orgasm can cause performance anxiety, another risk factor for premature ejaculation. vi
PE is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions. vii Men experiencing premature ejaculation have difficulty controlling their excitement during sex. However, some men report having an overly sensitive penis. viii Evidence also suggests that certain mental health conditions, such as depression or performance anxiety, are linked to PE. ix
Time to Orgasm: How Long Should Sex Last?
Women generally take longer to reach orgasm than men, even if a man doesn’t experience premature ejaculation. x This is a primary factor in the orgasm gap women and men. xi Some research suggests that nearly 90% of men ejaculate during penetrative sex, while only 50% of women experience the same. xii
One of the biggest misconceptions about premature ejaculation is that longer penetration equals better sex. However, studies indicate that the average duration of sex hovers around five to seven minutes. xiii
Orgasm and pleasure aren’t about the time spent, though. Arousal, technique, and emotional connection are also essential. xiv Women often require more consistent clitoral stimulation and foreplay to reach climax, with some studies suggesting it can take nearly 20 minutes on average. xv
Prioritizing mutual pleasure, understanding each other’s needs, and breaking free from a “penetration-first” mindset can help close the orgasm gap. xvi For more help lasting longer in bed, seek effective premature ejaculation treatments to delay orgasm.
The Effects of Premature Ejaculation on Realtionships
Relationship dynamics can be negatively impacted by untreated premature ejaculation. xvii Partners can become critical, resentful or standoffish about sex because of misconceptions surrounding the causes of PE. xviii These issues can exacerbate performance anxiety and create a vicious cycle. xix
Ejaculating too fast can be extremely frustrating for both partners and is especially vexing if you’re in an otherwise healthy and happy relationship. Therefore, an inability to maintain control over ejaculation can hinder satisfying sexual experiences.
Over time, untreated PE can cause an increased risk of relationship issues. xx However, even the best medicine for premature ejaculation can have variable results. xxi PE is almost always treatable with a combination of lifestyle changes and advanced medications like Go Long — [info about med].
How to Deal with PE
Partners can support one another in developing a higher degree of sexual control by talking openly about the issue, practicing behavioral techniques as a couple, shifting their focus from achieving orgasm to emotional intimacy and leveraging innovative medicines for PE.
We’ll explore these options in detail below.
Behavioral Techniques for Premature Ejaculation
In many cases, PE can be treated with behavioral therapy techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). xxii However, there are two tactics you can use during sex to delay orgasm and ejaculation — the squeeze method and the start-stop technique.
With the squeeze technique, you have sex as normal then stop when you feel like you’re about to cum. Next, grasp the head of your penis and gently squeeze to stop ejaculation. This method can be repeated as often as needed to boost sexual stamina and pleasure.
The start-stop technique is different. It involves stopping sex when feel close to orgasm. Pause sexual activity and think about something unrelated to help distract you from feelings of climax. As with the squeeze technique, you can repeat this as often as needed.
Over-the-Counter Medications for PE
For many, behavioral techniques alone aren’t enough to fix premature ejaculation. Over-the-counter medications for PE are available to help stop the early flow of semen, including wipes, sprays, pills and creams to help you temporarily last longer.
These OTC treatments for premature ejaculation can provide temporary relief but aren’t always as effective as prescription-strength medications. xxiii Talk to a doctor about your options.
Prescription Premature Ejaculation Medicines
Consider talking to a healthcare provider if behavioral techniques and over-the-counter products don’t work. Premature ejaculation medicine from a doctor can help pinpoint specific issues that impact your sex life and ability to ejaculate on time.
Prescription medications for PE are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each person’s body reacts differently to the medicine, and side effects are possible. xxiv Contact a healthcare provider to assess your medical history, discuss potential risks, and determine whether prescription PE meds are right for you.
DISCLAIMER:
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