Premature Ejaculation

Premature Ejaculation

Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a condition where a man ejaculates sooner during sexual activity than he or his partner would like.

What is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a condition where a man ejaculates sooner during sexual activity than he or his partner would like. It is one of the most common sexual issues for men and can occur at any age. While it’s not unusual for men to experience PE occasionally, it is considered a condition if it happens frequently. Premature Ejaculation can lead to distress, anxiety, and frustration, and it may affect relationships and self-esteem.


Premature Ejaculation can be influenced by various factors, including biological and psychological aspects. Identifying the underlying causes is crucial for determining the most effective treatment.

Typical Symptoms of Premature Ejaculation
  • Ejaculation that occurs within 90 seconds of penetration
  • Inability to delay ejaculation during sexual activity
  • Feeling distressed and frustrated, and avoiding sexual intimacy as a result

Premature Ejaculation can have a significant impact on sexual satisfaction and relationships. If this is a recurring issue, it is advisable to seek medical advice to explore treatment options.

Medical Treatment of Premature Ejaculation

Given the variety of factors that can cause Premature Ejaculation, it is important to identify the underlying causes so that they can be addressed effectively. Addressing contributing physiological or psychological factors in conjunction with medication is the most effective way to treat Premature Ejaculation. This can be done through:

  • Behavioural therapy techniques like the stop-start method and the squeeze technique can help you learn to delay ejaculation
  • Addressing any psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues can be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is often helpful
  • Lifestyle changes to reduce stress, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and engaging in regular exercise can improve overall sexual health

Medication that are available to address Premature Ejaculation include:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to help delay ejaculation
  • Topical anaesthetics that numb the penis and reduce sensation

In addition to the above, there is some evidence that performing pelvic floor exercises with the goal of strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can improve control over ejaculation.

At My Local Surgery, we recommend starting with a fast, discrete consultation with one of our private healthcare specialists. They are experienced in diagnosing underlying causes of Premature Ejaculation, providing advice on effective treatment options, and prescribing medication if required.

Author

Dr Adam Kirk

Revision 1.0 - 17/07/2025

How it works

  1. Select your preferred treatment and complete a short questionnaire, this will help the pharmacist understand your symptoms and the severity of your condition.
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  3. Some treatments can be very strong, so it’s important for the pharmacist to review your answers carefully before deciding what is suitable.
  4. The pharmacist will review your questionnaire and make a recommendation, which in some cases may include that no medical treatment is required, a referral to a different service, monitoring your symptoms, or a prescription to treat your condition.
  5. If a prescription is necessary, such as for topical treatments or antibiotics, your pharmacist will add this to your basket so you can complete your order.

Possible Causes of Premature Ejaculation

Premature Ejaculation can have multiple causes and contributing factors:

  • Conditions that affect prostate or thyroid function, abnormal hormone levels, neurotransmitter imbalances, and genetic predisposition may play a role in Premature Ejaculation
  • Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and early sexual experiences can all contribute to Premature Ejaculation. Performance anxiety is particularly common

  • Erectile Dysfunction itself can lead to Premature Ejaculation as a man may rush to climax before losing his erection

References

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