Premature Ejaculation: Practical Steps You Can Try Now

Premature ejaculation (PE) means ejaculating sooner than you or your partner want. It’s common, treatable, and often easier to manage than people think. Below are clear, practical steps you can try tonight, plus medical options if you need more help.

Quick techniques you can try tonight

Stop-start: During sex or masturbation, pause stimulation right before you feel you’ll ejaculate. Wait 20–30 seconds, then restart. Repeat this a few times. It trains you to recognize and control the moment of climax.

Squeeze method: When you’re near climax, gently squeeze the head of the penis for 5–10 seconds until the urge drops. This reduces the intensity and helps delay ejaculation. Use this together with the stop-start method for better results.

Condoms and desensitizing products: Thicker condoms can reduce sensation and delay climax. Over-the-counter sprays or creams with lidocaine or prilocaine can numb the area slightly—apply as directed and consider using a condom to avoid numbing your partner.

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): Strong pelvic muscles help control ejaculation. To find them, stop urine midstream (only to locate them), then practice contracting those muscles for 3–5 seconds, relax for 5 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10 reps daily. Over weeks you should notice improved control.

Communication and pacing: Talk with your partner about pacing, positions that slow stimulation, and non-sexual intimacy. Reducing pressure and anxiety often helps more than you expect.

Medical options and when to see a doctor

If the techniques above don’t help, or PE causes stress in your relationship, see your doctor or a urologist. They’ll check for underlying issues (like erectile difficulties, thyroid problems, or medication side effects) and talk about treatments.

Medications: Short-acting SSRIs like dapoxetine (available in some countries) are taken on-demand before sex and can delay ejaculation. Regular SSRIs (paroxetine, sertraline) used daily also work but can cause side effects like nausea, tiredness, or reduced libido. Always talk to your doctor about interactions and safety—SSRIs aren’t right for everyone.

Topical anesthetics: Prescription-strength lidocaine/prilocaine creams or sprays can help. They lower sensation briefly and work fast. Use as directed and avoid transferring numbness to your partner.

Psychosexual therapy: If anxiety, relationship problems, or past trauma play a role, sex therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be very effective. Combining therapy with other treatments often gives the best results.

Final tips: Track progress—note how often PE happens and what helps. Be patient: behavioral changes take weeks. Avoid heavy alcohol or recreational drugs right before sex, and always check with your doctor before starting medication.

If PE is frequent, causes distress, or started suddenly, book a medical check. There are reliable options and most men improve with the right approach.