Premature Ejaculation Treatment: Practical Steps You Can Try Today

Premature ejaculation is common — many men experience it at some point — and you don’t have to just accept it. Some fixes are simple and work fast, while others take a few weeks. Below you’ll find clear, usable options: things you can try at home, medical choices, and when to get professional help.

First, know why it happens. Causes can be physical (like prostatitis or nerve sensitivity), psychological (performance anxiety, stress), or a mix. Identifying what’s driving it helps pick the best treatment. If the problem started suddenly or comes with pain or trouble getting erections, see a doctor sooner.

Quick at-home techniques

Start-stop and squeeze. These two exercises are the most low-tech and often effective. During sexual activity or masturbation, pause stimulation just before you feel you’ll ejaculate. Wait until the urge drops, then start again. The squeeze technique adds a firm squeeze at the base of the penis to reduce the urge. Practice these for several weeks.

Use thicker condoms or numbing condoms. Condoms cut sensitivity and often delay ejaculation. Topical anesthetic gels or sprays (lidocaine/prilocaine) applied to the glans 10–20 minutes before sex reduce sensitivity. Be careful: they can numb your partner, so start with a small amount and consider covering the area before penetration.

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels). Strengthening the pelvic floor helps control ejaculation. Tighten the muscles you use to stop urine, hold 3–5 seconds, release for 3–5 seconds. Aim for 3 sets of 10 reps daily. Combine with start-stop for better results.

Practice and communication. Try timed masturbation exercises to learn how long you last. Talk openly with your partner about pacing and breaks — teamwork lowers anxiety and improves control.

Medical treatments and when to use them

SSRIs: Some antidepressants delay ejaculation as a side effect. Dapoxetine is an on-demand SSRI made specifically for premature ejaculation in places where it’s available. Other SSRIs (paroxetine, sertraline) are used daily and can help but may take weeks to work. Side effects can include nausea, drowsiness, or reduced libido.

Topical anesthetics: Creams or sprays with lidocaine or prilocaine work quickly and are used right before sex. Watch for partner numbness and follow instructions on timing and washing off if needed.

PDE5 inhibitors: Drugs like sildenafil sometimes help when premature ejaculation comes with erectile issues. They’re not a primary treatment but can be useful in combinations.

Therapy: If anxiety, relationship problems, or past trauma are factors, short-term CBT or sex therapy often helps more than pills alone. Many men get the best results by combining therapy with exercises or medication.

Safety tips: Only use medications prescribed by a healthcare provider. If buying online, pick a licensed pharmacy that requires a prescription. If side effects are strong, stop and contact your prescriber.

Try a structured plan: practice behavioral techniques for 4–8 weeks, add pelvic floor exercises daily, and consider medical options if progress stalls. See a doctor sooner for sudden changes, pain, or other sexual problems. Small, consistent steps usually lead to big improvements.