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. Hit book now, create a user account or log in if you already have a My Local Surgery account. Choose a date and time that is convenient for you; a consultation for Erectile Dysfunction takes takes around 15 minutes
  2. You may be asked some questions during the booking process to provide the healthcare specialist with any necessary information ahead of your appointment
  3. Once you’ve signed up and booked an appointment, you will be sent an email with a link to access your consultation, or you can access it from your account page on the My Local Surgery website
  4. When it’s time for your consultation, use the link to join and meet your healthcare specialist. You can join from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer (you will need a webcam)
  5. During the consultation, your healthcare specialist will discuss your symptoms and make recommendations based on your personal situation . They will also be able to answer your questions about Erectile Dysfunction and possible treatments
  6. If you do require a prescription for pain relief or other medications, your healthcare specialist will add this to your basket so at the end of your consultation, you’ll be able to ‘check-out’

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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