In this Article:
01: How to prevent premature ejaculation without medication02: What should I do if these techniques don’t work for me?03: Medicine to treat premature ejaculation04:How to prevent premature ejaculation without medication
'How can I prevent premature ejaculation naturally?' is a common question. As well as prescription and over the counter treatments, there are several premature ejaculation behavioural therapy techniques many men find effective.
These 'self-control techniques' can be used by couples or individuals, and it's important to be patient as you practice them and gradually 'unlearn' the habit of PE.
Squeeze technique
This technique involves you or your partner squeezing the head of the penis just before climax to stop it. Over time and with practice it can help you gain more control over your body.
Aim of the squeeze technique
The aim of the squeeze technique is to recognise when you know you’re going to ejaculate. This is often called the ‘point of no return’. By squeezing the head of the penis just before reaching this point, it’s possible to delay climaxing. Again, with practice, it’s also possible to lengthen the time of this delay.
How to use the squeeze technique
After trying this a few times, you'll discover what works best for you. For the most effective results, follow these 4 steps:
Just before you feel you're going to ejaculate, either you or your partner squeezes the head of your penis firmly using a forefinger and thumb.
Hold the squeeze until you feel the urge to ejaculate. Start with 10-20 seconds at a time.
Release the squeeze and leave it for about 30 seconds before resuming stimulation. Don’t worry if your erection becomes less strong. It’s completely normal.
Repeat the squeezing and releasing a few times before you ejaculate. This, in time, will lead to the best results.
You can apply the same technique and practice it during masturbation too.
Stop-start technique
With the stop-start technique, you simply stop having sex or masturbating just before you feel you’re going to ejaculate. When that feeling’s passed, you start again and this can gradually help you establish more self-control.
Aim of the stop-start technique
The aim of the stop-start technique is simply to reduce the impulse to ejaculate. By pausing sex or reducing stimulation when you're close to climaxing, then starting again when you’re ready, you can train your mind and body to delay ejaculation.
As with the squeeze technique, the more you practice, the more confident you'll become. Eventually, you'll build enough control during sex to avoid needing to stop and start several times.
Practising the stop-start technique when masturbating
If you want to gain more control over your premature ejaculation without having sex, you can easily practice stopping and starting during masturbation. Just masturbate almost to your ‘point of no return’, then stop and start again when you feel comfortable.
Again, just repeat this process a few times to increase the time it takes to climax. Remember too, that if your penis becomes less erect, it’s a natural reaction and is entirely normal.
Pelvic floor exercises for PE
Kegels are a type of exercise to prevent premature ejaculation. They're also known as pelvic floor exercises and involve contracting and relaxing the muscles that control urination and ejaculation. Strengthening these pelvic floor muscles can help avoid ejaculating too quickly.
Masturbating before sex for PE
Masturbating to climax 1 or 2 hours before sex helps some men control ejaculation, though the British Association of Urological surgeons advise this for younger patients specifically. That’s because the time after masturbation (known as the refractory period) can give you greater control when you do have intercourse and make it last longer.
Therapy for PE
Some people find that counselling or therapy for PE can help, either individually or with a partner. Therapy helps address past relationships and experiences that might contribute to PE. It also develops coping strategies and techniques for managing it in the future.
What should I do if these techniques don’t work for me?
First, try not to worry. There can be psychological causes for PE, so getting stressed about it can just make things worse.
It's worth remembering that many men experience premature ejaculation at some point and if the various behavioural techniques aren't working for you, consider getting in touch with your GP. Or, if you prefer, you can start a confidential online consultation with one of our clinicians.
We can prescribe an effective tablet-treatment called Priligy, as well as EMLA cream which is available over the counter at pharmacies if clinically suitable.
As with anything health related, it's important to find out the exact cause of your PE. A medical professional or experienced therapist can help and there's no need to feel embarrassed about speaking with someone.
Alternate ways to prevent premature ejaculation
If you experience PE there are several ways to help prevent PE. These include two specific medicines.
Medicine to treat premature ejaculation
The two most effective treatments for PE are Priligy and EMLA cream.
EMLA
EMLA is a cream designed to extend the time between getting an erection and ejaculating. It’s local anaesthetic you apply directly to your penis and has a numbing effect that reduces sensation. As a result, you’ll take longer to climax.
Priligy
Priligy is a prescription-only treatment that can help men last up to 3x longer. It’s also effective for 8 out of 10 men. The tablets contain an active ingredient that boosts the levels of serotonin in the body. This causes a delayed reaction in the areas of the brain that trigger ejaculation. As a result, it takes longer to reach orgasm.