Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation (PE) is ejaculating sooner than you want during sex, usually within about a minute or two of penetration, on most occasions, with distress about it. It is one of the commonest sexual complaints men bring to a doctor. Some men have had it since their first sexual experience; others develop it later, sometimes alongside erection problems, anxiety or a prostate infection. Behavioural techniques and prescribed medication both work.
Find a Urology SpecialistMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Ejaculating within about one to two minutes of penetration on most occasions
- Being unable to delay ejaculation
- Avoiding sex because of it
- Frustration or distress for you or your partner
- In some men, also having trouble keeping an erection
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if PE happens most of the time and is causing you or your relationship distress. Mention any pain on ejaculation, pain on passing urine or discharge, which can mean a prostate or sexually transmitted infection that needs treating first. Avoid unregulated 'delay' tablets and herbal mixtures from roadside sellers, which can contain hidden drugs.
Treatment options
- Behavioural techniques such as stop-start and squeeze, practised over weeks
- Numbing creams or sprays applied before sex
- Prescribed medication, taken daily or before sex (such as dapoxetine or some antidepressants)
- Treating erectile dysfunction if it is also present
- Sex therapy or counselling, alone or as a couple
- Treating an underlying infection or thyroid problem where found
Common Questions
How long should sex last before ejaculation?
There is no correct number. Studies of men without any complaint find that most ejaculate a few minutes after penetration. What matters for diagnosis is whether you can delay it at all and whether it causes distress.
Will premature ejaculation go away on its own?
Sometimes, particularly when it is linked to a new relationship or anxiety. When it has been present since your first sexual experience it usually needs treatment, which works for most men.
Are the medicines for premature ejaculation safe?
Prescribed treatments are safe for most men once a doctor has checked your health and other medicines. Side effects such as nausea, dizziness or headache are usually mild. Products from street vendors or unverified websites are not safe: their contents and doses are unknown.
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