Premature ejaculation

Treatment:

It is critical that this issue be addressed with a health care provider with whom the person or couple can feel comfortable and openly discuss sexual behaviors and concerns.

Treatment may involve the provider simply explaining why premature ejaculation occurs, assuring the person or couple that it is a normal part of the male sexual response, and providing techniques that may assist the man in learning to delay ejaculation.

Such techniques may include:
The "stop and start" method:

• This involves sexual stimulation until the man recognizes that he is about to ejaculate; the stimulation is then removed for about thirty seconds and then may be resumed. The sequence is repeated until ejaculation is desired, the final time allowing the stimulation to continue until ejaculation occurs.

The "squeeze" method

• This involves sexual stimulation until the man recognizes that he is about to ejaculate; at that point, the man or his partner gently squeezes the end of the penis (where the glans meets the shaft) for several seconds, withholding further sexual stimulation for about 30 seconds, and then resuming stimulation. The sequence may be repeated by the person or couple until ejaculation is desired, the final time allowing the stimulation to continue until ejaculation occurs.

If pronounced psychological or interpersonal factors appear to be involved, professional counseling or psychotherapy may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

In about 95% of cases, the man is able to learn ejaculatory control through education and practice of the simple techniques outlined.

Complications:

• Very early ejaculation, occurring prior to entry into the vagina, may prohibit a desired pregnancy.
• A continued lack of ejaculatory control may lead to sexual dissatisfaction on the part of either or both members of the couple and be a factor in sexual tension or discord in the relationship in general.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if premature ejaculation is causing a problem and it does not respond to the methods described in the Treatment section.