What Should Men Do About Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual health issue that many men face at some point in their lives. It occurs when a man ejaculates too quickly during sexual intercourse, often before or shortly after penetration, leading to distress or dissatisfaction for both the individual and their partner. While PE can affect men of all ages, it tends to be more common in younger men and those under stress. Fortunately, there are several strategies and treatments available to help men manage and overcome premature ejaculation. In this article, we will explore what men can do to address this condition and improve their sexual health.

1. Communicate with Your Partner

One of the first steps in managing premature ejaculation is open communication with your partner. Feeling embarrassed or frustrated about the issue can create a cycle of anxiety, which may worsen the situation. Discussing the issue openly and honestly can reduce pressure and help both partners understand the condition better. It is essential to approach the subject with empathy and understanding, as emotional support plays a crucial role in alleviating performance anxiety.

• Why it helps: Talking about PE can help relieve stress and anxiety, which are often contributing factors. It also allows both partners to work together to find solutions and reduce the emotional burden.
• What to do: Create a supportive environment where both partners feel comfortable discussing their concerns and possible solutions. Consider exploring other forms of intimacy and pleasure that do not solely focus on penetration, which can reduce performance pressure.

2. Practice the “Stop-Start” Technique

The “stop-start” technique is a behavioral approach designed to help men learn better control over ejaculation. It involves practicing the control of arousal during sexual activity to delay ejaculation. The technique involves the following steps:

• Why it helps: By practicing the “stop-start” technique, men can develop better awareness of their sexual responses and learn how to delay ejaculation by controlling arousal.
• What to do: During sexual activity, stop stimulation just before reaching the point of ejaculation. After a short pause, resume the activity. Repeat this process several times before allowing ejaculation to occur. With practice, many men find that they gain greater control over their ejaculation timing.

3. Try the “Squeeze” Technique

Similar to the “stop-start” technique, the “squeeze” technique helps men delay ejaculation. This method involves applying pressure to the base of the penis or the head when the man feels close to ejaculating. The pressure slows down the arousal process and can delay ejaculation for a longer period.

• Why it helps: The squeeze technique can help interrupt the build-up of arousal and delay ejaculation, giving the man more control over his sexual response.
• What to do: When nearing the point of ejaculation, either the man or his partner can gently squeeze the head or shaft of the penis for a few seconds to reduce arousal. After the squeeze, the man can resume sexual activity, repeating the process as needed.

4. Use of Condoms

Condoms can be a simple and effective solution for men experiencing premature ejaculation. Specialized condoms, such as those with thicker material or containing a desensitizing agent like benzocaine or lidocaine, can help reduce sensitivity and delay ejaculation.

• Why it helps: Condoms can decrease sensation, helping men last longer during intercourse. Some condoms are designed specifically for men with PE, offering additional benefits in terms of control and comfort.
• What to do: Experiment with different types of condoms to find one that works best. Thicker condoms or those with a desensitizing agent can be particularly helpful in reducing sensitivity and prolonging sexual activity.

5. Consider Behavioral Therapy or Counseling

Premature ejaculation can sometimes be linked to psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, or past sexual trauma. In such cases, seeking professional counseling or therapy can help address underlying emotional or psychological issues contributing to the condition.

• Why it helps: Therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help men manage performance anxiety, improve self-esteem, and tackle any emotional or psychological barriers that are interfering with sexual function.
• What to do: A licensed therapist or sex counselor can guide individuals and couples through the process of understanding and managing emotional triggers that contribute to premature ejaculation. Therapy can also help reduce anxiety around sexual performance, which is often a key factor in PE.

6. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel Exercises)

Kegel exercises, commonly associated with women, can also benefit men experiencing premature ejaculation. These exercises target the pelvic floor muscles, which play a role in controlling ejaculation. Strengthening these muscles can lead to better control during sex.

• Why it helps: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles improves sexual function and control, which can help delay ejaculation and prevent premature release.
• What to do: To perform Kegel exercises, contract the pelvic floor muscles (the muscles you would use to stop urination midstream) and hold the contraction for 3-5 seconds, then relax for 3-5 seconds. Repeat this process for 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 times per day. With practice, Kegels can enhance control during sexual activity.

7. Consider Medications

In some cases, medications can help men manage premature ejaculation. Several types of drugs are available to treat PE, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used to treat depression but also have the side effect of delaying ejaculation. Other options include topical anesthetic creams or sprays that numb the penis to reduce sensitivity.

• Why it helps: Medications can be effective in reducing the urge to ejaculate prematurely by altering brain chemicals or numbing the genital area, allowing for more control during intercourse.
• What to do: Consult a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks of medication for premature ejaculation. A doctor may recommend SSRIs, topical treatments, or other solutions depending on the individual case.

8. Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can have a significant impact on sexual health and help prevent premature ejaculation. Key aspects of a healthy lifestyle include regular exercise, stress management, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. These factors contribute to better circulation, hormone balance, and overall sexual function.

• Why it helps: A healthy lifestyle supports optimal sexual health by improving blood flow, reducing stress, and maintaining balanced hormone levels, all of which can help prevent premature ejaculation.
• What to do: Incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine, practice stress-relief techniques like meditation or deep breathing, eat a nutritious diet, and ensure you get enough sleep each night.

Conclusion

Premature ejaculation is a common concern, but it is not something men have to simply accept. There are numerous strategies available to help manage and treat this condition. Communication with a partner, practicing behavioral techniques like the “stop-start” and “squeeze” methods, using condoms, seeking professional therapy, doing pelvic floor exercises, and considering medications can all help men gain better control over ejaculation. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle can support overall sexual health. If premature ejaculation persists or becomes a source of distress, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to explore treatment options tailored to individual needs. With the right approach, premature ejaculation can be managed effectively, leading to improved sexual health and satisfaction.