Treatment for premature ejaculation depends on the type of PE, possible underlying causes, your overall health and how much the condition affects you. There is no single treatment that is suitable for everyone. A doctor can assess your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which may include behavioural techniques, counselling, topical treatments or prescription medication.
Behavioural Techniques
Certain behavioural techniques may help some men develop better awareness and control over ejaculation. These can include the start-stop technique, in which sexual stimulation is temporarily stopped before ejaculation and resumed once the urge has reduced.
Behavioural approaches may be used alone or together with other forms of premature ejaculation treatment.
Counselling and Psychological Support
Stress, performance anxiety, relationship difficulties and other psychological factors can contribute to premature ejaculation. Where these factors are significant, counselling or psychological therapy may be considered as part of treatment.
Addressing anxiety surrounding sexual performance can also help break the cycle in which concern about ejaculating too quickly creates further anxiety during sexual activity.
Topical Treatments
Certain topical anaesthetic creams, gels or sprays may reduce penile sensitivity and help delay ejaculation. These are usually applied before sexual activity.
Topical treatments should be used correctly as they may sometimes reduce sensation in the partner as well. A doctor can advise whether this form of treatment is appropriate and how it should be used.
Oral Medication
Certain prescription medicines may be used to help delay ejaculation. Some medications affect serotonin activity, which plays a role in the ejaculatory response.
The appropriate medication depends on factors such as your medical history, other medicines you are taking and whether you have other sexual health conditions. Prescription medication should therefore be used under medical supervision.
Treating Underlying Conditions
When premature ejaculation develops after a period of previously normal ejaculatory control, a doctor may consider whether another condition is contributing to the problem.
For example, premature ejaculation can sometimes occur together with erectile dysfunction or other medical or psychological conditions. Identifying and managing an underlying condition may therefore form an important part of premature ejaculation treatment.