PE treatment: simple, practical ways to manage premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) hits more men than you might think, and it’s fixable in most cases. If sex feels rushed, or you worry about lasting too short a time, you don’t have to guess what to do next. Below are clear options that people use every day — from exercises you can try tonight to medicines your doctor might prescribe.

Behavioral methods that actually help

Start-stop and squeeze techniques are low-risk, free, and work for many men. For start-stop, stimulate until you’re close, pause until the urge lowers, then start again. The squeeze technique uses gentle pressure on the head of the penis to reduce urgency. Practice during masturbation or with a partner — do a few short sessions each week. Pair these with pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): tighten the pelvic muscles for 3–5 seconds, relax, repeat 10–15 times, twice daily. Over weeks, Kegels can give you better control.

Mindset and timing matter. Foreplay reduces performance pressure. Avoid heavy drinking right before sex — it can worsen control in the long run. If anxiety drives your PE, short-term breathing or grounding exercises before sex often ease the tension.

Topical anesthetics, pills, and therapy

Topical creams or sprays with lidocaine or prilocaine numb the penis a bit and can add several minutes. Apply about 10–15 minutes before sex, wipe excess off to avoid numbing your partner, and test for sensitivity first. Side effects are usually mild but watch for irritation.

Oral medicines include dapoxetine (a fast-acting SSRI available in some countries) and off-label use of longer-acting SSRIs like sertraline or paroxetine. Dapoxetine works quickly around the time of sex; other SSRIs need daily dosing and several weeks to start helping. Some men with erectile dysfunction benefit from PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil) if ED makes PE worse — they don’t fix PE directly but can reduce performance anxiety and improve control. Always discuss side effects and drug interactions with a doctor.

Sex therapy or counseling is a smart move when anxiety, relationship issues, or past experiences play a role. A trained therapist gives practical tools, helps improve communication with your partner, and often combines talk therapy with behavioral drills or medical treatments.

When to see a doctor? If PE causes distress, affects relationships, or simple fixes don’t help after a few weeks, book an appointment. A clinician can check for underlying causes (hormone issues, thyroid problems, prostatitis) and advise safe medication choices. Don’t self-prescribe from unverified sites — medication quality varies. If you’re curious about sildenafil or other meds, we have an article explaining uses, dosing, and safety.

Most men improve with a mix of methods. Try one change at a time, track what helps, and involve your partner — teamwork speeds progress. With the right plan, sex can feel relaxed, longer, and more satisfying for both of you.