Premature Ejaculation – Causes & Treatment

Lots of men struggle in bed because they climax too soon. But does it always mean they have premature ejaculation? Not necessarily. If you ejaculate quickly from time to time, it's normal. We all have bad days and some stress. And if you have a new sexual partner, it's understandable that you’re very excited and can't control your arousal.

But if you climax sooner than you or your partner would wish nearly every time you have intercourse, you may have premature ejaculation. Experts explain that ejaculating within one or two minutes from the start of penetration usually qualifies as PE.

If you have premature ejaculation, you're not alone. One in three men will have the same problem at some point in their life. This is a complex condition and treatment will depend on the causes. Sometimes you will need a combination of physical and psychological solutions to last longer in bed.

Here are the pros and cons of popular premature ejaculation treatments:

Numbing products are the most common choice for men who want better climax control. Part of their popularity comes from heavy advertising. They work by reducing sensations on the penis.

Pros:

• They are affordable and available over the counter.
• They act fast.

Cons:

• They reduce your and your partner's sexual pleasure.
• Some products can get messy.
• They can cause genital irritation.

Antidepressant Medication

This is an option for men who struggle with severe PE and other methods don't work for them. Experts don’t fully understand how antidepressants help control ejaculation. For one, they improve your mood and confidence, but also there is a link between serotonin and ejaculation control.

Pros:

• If you already have psychological problems, such as depression or anxiety, it's a win-win solution.

Cons:

• Antidepressants can cause side effects, such as nausea, headaches, dizziness and even loss of libido.
• Drinking alcohol is not advised when you’re taking most antidepressants.

Some men achieve better climax control when taking strong opioid painkillers. This is called off-label use of medication.

Pros:

• This is a simple solution if you only need to prolong intercourse occasionally.

Cons:

• In many countries you need a prescription for these strong painkillers.
• There is a risk of side effects and even dependency.

Some men use erotic gadgets to last longer in bed. The most popular option is a penis ring which restricts blood flow and numbs sensations. Penis sleeve is another way to give your partner more pleasure, and hold off your climax for longer.

Pros:

• These gadgets are not expensive and, in most cases, reusable.
• You can reach for them them as needed.
• They can give your partner more sensation (a penis sleeve can have unique ridges or bumps for more stimulation).

Cons:

• They numb your pleasure.
• With penis rings there is a risk to your health if you keep one on for too long.
• You have to be open to discuss using toys with your partner.

Some men try to prolong intercourse with sexual techniques, such as the squeeze, or start-stop approach. These methods require a great deal of self-control. You must recognise the point of no return, and then squeeze the penis or stop any movement, waiting for arousal to subside.

Pros:

• They don't cost you anything but patience.
• They help you learn more about your body.

Cons:

• The need to stop sexual activity can be frustrating and spoil the fun for your partner.
• You must talk to your lover about premature ejaculation, as these methods only work if you cooperate.

The in2 device is a worldwide innovation for men who want to treat premature ejaculation. You apply it to the skin of the perineum –  the area between your genitals and anus – and turn it on by a push of a button.

It works by boosting the natural contractions of your pelvic floor muscles. These are the same muscles you use to stop the flow of urine.

Pros:

• The in2 device doesn't cause long-term side effects.
• It doesn't interfere with sexual play because you can apply it hours before intercourse.
• You can use it on demand, whenever you need a little support in the bedroom.
• It's affordable and available without prescription.
• It doesn't reduce your or your partner's sensation.

Cons:

• It's a single-use device, but a reusable version is in the making.
• To avoid discomfort, you should trim the hair on your perineum, but it's not necessary.
• The device won't work in the shower or bath.