PE therapy: Practical help for premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) happens when you climax sooner than you or your partner want. It’s common and treatable. This page gives clear, useful options you can try today — no medical degree needed. Read on for short techniques, when to try meds, and how pelvic-floor therapy and counseling fit in.

Simple at-home techniques that actually work

Start-stop technique: during sex or masturbation, stop stimulation when you feel close to climax. Wait 20–30 seconds, calm your breathing, then start again. Repeat until you can go longer. It sounds basic, but it trains your body and mind to delay ejaculation.

Squeeze technique: when you’re near climax, squeeze the head of the penis for a few seconds until the urgency eases. This reduces the reflex and can add time. Try both stop-start and squeeze in low-pressure practice sessions.

Breathing and pacing: slow, deep breaths and a steady rhythm cut arousal spikes. Focus on long exhales and slower movements. Use longer foreplay so arousal builds gradually instead of spiking quickly.

Condoms and topical desensitizers: thicker condoms reduce sensation and can help. Over-the-counter numbing gels or sprays with lidocaine/benzocaine can delay climax — apply as directed and test first to avoid transfer to your partner.

Medical help and professional options

Medications: Certain antidepressants (SSRIs) can delay ejaculation. Dapoxetine is a short-acting SSRI approved in some countries specifically for PE. Other SSRIs are used off-label. Talk to a doctor about side effects and interactions before starting them.

Pelvic-floor physical therapy: Tight or overactive pelvic muscles can cause rapid ejaculation. A pelvic health physiotherapist assesses muscle tension and teaches exercises to relax and strengthen those muscles. Many men find noticeable improvement after weeks of guided practice.

Behavioral therapy and couples counseling: Anxiety, performance pressure, or relationship issues often make PE worse. A sex therapist can teach techniques, reduce anxiety, and guide partners on communication and pacing during sex.

Combination approach: Often the best results come from mixing methods — exercises, behavioral techniques, and a short course of medication while learning new habits. It’s normal for progress to take a few weeks; stick with the plan.

When to see a doctor: If PE is happening almost every time, causing distress, or you suspect a medical cause (like hormonal issues or medication side effects), see a clinician. They’ll check for physical issues, suggest tests, and map out a treatment plan.

How to choose help: Look for a urologist, sexual health clinic, or pelvic-floor physiotherapist with experience treating PE. Ask about success rates, how long treatment takes, and whether partners are included in sessions.

Quick takeaway: PE therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Try simple techniques first, consider pelvic-floor training, and get medical advice if needed. Small, consistent steps usually lead to better control and less stress in the bedroom.