Premature Ejaculation - Everything You Need To Know

What is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is the most common ejaculation problem and also one of the most common sexual problems for men. It happens where the male ejaculates too quickly during sexual intercourse. It can occur at any age and under any situation, although it is most common in men in their teens and twenties.

Although there is no cut-off time defining "premature", experts at the International Society for Sexual Medicine defined it as around one minute after penetration. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) applies a cut-off of 15 seconds from the beginning of sexual intercourse.

It is estimated that up to 30% of men suffer from premature ejaculation.

What causes premature ejaculation?

There are many causes of premature ejaculation, these include:

• Prostate problems
• Thyroid problems – an overactive or underactive thyroid gland
• Using recreational drugs

Psychological issues can also play a large part cause premature ejaculation, some of these common causes include:

• Depression
• Anxiety about sexual performance - especially at the start of a new relationship, or if a man has had previous problems with sexual performance
• Stress
• Existing relationship problems

It's possible, but less common, for a man to have always experienced premature ejaculation since becoming sexually active. A number of possible causes for this are:

• Conditioning – it is possible that early sexual experiences can influence future sexual behaviour. For example, if a teenager conditions himself to ejaculate quickly to avoid being caught masturbating, it may later be difficult to break the habit.
• A traumatic sexual experience from childhood – this can range from being caught masturbating or even sexual abuse.
• Having a strict upbringing and/or beliefs about sex

For some men, the reason can simply be that their penis is more sensitive.

How to help prevent premature ejaculation:

Self-help:

Stop/start technique:

A simple self-help method that many men try that can be effective is called the ‘stop/start technique’. Which can be done by the man on his own or with his partner, whichever is preferred.

Step 1: Start stimulation of the penis, and stop just before you think you are about to ejaculate

Step 2: Rest, with no stimulation for 30 to 60 seconds, until the need to ejaculate passes.

Step 3: Begin rubbing the penis again, stopping or reducing the stimulation until the need to ejaculate passes. Rest again with no stimulation for 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 4: Repeat the above steps 4 or 5 times, until you begin to recognise when you are about to ejaculate. Allow ejaculation to occur. This need to be done regularly for a couple of weeks.

Pause/squeeze technique:

Another self-help technique that can be tried with or without a partner is a method called the pause/squeeze technique. This works as follows:

Step 1: Start stimulation of the penis, and stop just before you think you are about to ejaculate

Step 2: Have your partner squeeze the end of your penis, at the point where the head (glans) joins the shaft, for between 10 - 20 seconds, until the urge to ejaculate passes.

Step 3: Repeat the above steps 4 or 5 times, until you begin to recognise when you are about to ejaculate. Allow ejaculation to occur.

If the pause/squeeze technique causes pain or discomfort, the stop/start technique could be a better option.

Other self-help techniques you can try before seeking medical help are:

• Masturbating between an hour or two before having sex
• Using a thick condom which would help to decrease sensation
• Taking a deep breath – this action briefly shut down the ejaculatory reflex
• Thinking about something completely different to distract

Delay spray:

About Stud 100:

Stud 100 is a desensitizing spray for men. Its active ingredient, Lidocaine, which is a local anaesthetic which is used to reduce the sensitivity to touch of the penis just before intercourse. This reduction in sensitivity helps to delay ejaculation in cases of over-rapid or premature ejaculation. This is available without prescription.

How to use Stud 100 Desensitizing Spray for Men:

Stud 100 should be sprayed on the head and shaft of the penis, usually between 5 and 15 minutes before intercourse.
Use the minimum effective number of sprays, which will vary from 3 to 8 depending upon the individual.

Stud 100 can be found here.