Sexual concerns, including premature ejaculation (PE), are relatively common. Premature ejaculation happens when a man climaxes before he or his partner would have wanted during sex. Men dealing with premature ejaculation tend to orgasm within one minute of being stimulated sexually and are usually unable to delay ejaculation.
The condition affects as many as 1 out of 3 men, and can lead to frustration and anxiety. Some men with premature ejaculation may avoid sex as a result. But there are treatments that can help.
Read on to learn more about home remedies and natural treatment options for premature ejaculation.
(Visit your doctor or a nearby approved pharmacy for these drugs)
Zinc supplements
Zinc not only supports healthy immunity and cell growth, the essential mineral also helps produce testosterone as well as boost your libido and energy. Research has found a link between zinc deficiency and sexual dysfunction in men, so taking 11 milligrams of zinc per day — the recommended amount — may improve ejaculation time.
A 2009 study conducted on rats showed that zinc supplements can increase testosterone, which may improve sexual problems, such as premature ejaculation. Taking too much zinc, though, may cause:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- kidney and stomach damage
- a metallic taste in your mouth
Dietary changes
In addition to zinc, magnesium also plays a role in your sexual health and can play a role in premature ejaculation, according to research. Incorporating foods into your diet that are rich in zinc and magnesium may help increase the time it takes you to climax. Those foods include:
- oysters
- pumpkin seeds
- soybeans
- yogurt
- spinach
- wheat germ cereal
- almonds
- kidney beans
- chickpeas
- sesame seeds
- beef and lamb
- dark chocolate
- garlic
- peas
Pause-squeeze technique
The pause-squeeze technique may help treat premature ejaculation by letting arousal dwindle before climax.
When you feel you’re ready to ejaculate, stop and have your partner squeeze the end of your penis where the head joins the shaft. Have them hold the squeeze for several seconds until you no longer want to climax.
Repeat this process as much as necessary. Eventually, you may be able to delay ejaculation without help.
Stop-start technique
The stop-start technique, also known as orgasm control or “edging,” can help delay climax by drawing out pleasure. When you feel the urge to ejaculate, stop having sexual activity completely. Once you feel less aroused, slowly start to have sexual activity again. Repeat this process as much as necessary to help you control ejaculation.
Pelvic floor exercises
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can have a big impact on how long it takes you to climax.
A 2014 Therapeutic Advances study found that pelvic floor exercises can help men dealing with lifelong premature ejaculation control their ejaculatory reflex, increasing the time it takes for them to climax. To perform pelvic floor exercises:
Find the right muscles by stopping mid-stream while peeing or tightening the muscles that stop you from passing gas.
While laying down, contract your pelvic floor muscles for 3 seconds, and then relax for 3 seconds. Do this at least 10 times in a row. Repeat at least 3 times a day.
Gradually increase the number of seconds as your muscles become stronger. Try new positions, such as standing, walking, or sitting down.
Don’t forget to breathe, and remember to focus only on your pelvic floor muscles. Don’t tighten your abs, thighs, or buttocks.
‘Climax control’ condoms
Condoms, in general, may decrease sensitivity and keep you from ejaculating early. But there are also climax control condoms available over-the-counter that are either made of a thicker latex material or contain a numbing agent that’s meant to delay climax.
Masturbation
Masturbating an hour or two before you have sexual activity may help delay ejaculation during penetration. This sexual release should reduce your need to climax quickly.
Avoid sex for a period of time
This may seem counterintuitive, but focusing on other types of sexual activity instead of intercourse may help take the pressure off from your sexual encounters. Penetration isn’t the only way to reach sexual satisfaction, so think about other ways you and your partner can feel pleasure that won’t cause either of you distress or frustration.
Medications
Topical anesthetics
Anesthetic creams and sprays that contain a numbing agent, such as benzocaine, lidocaine or prilocaine, are sometimes used to treat premature ejaculation. These products are applied to the penis 10 to 15 minutes before sex to reduce sensation and help delay ejaculation.
A lidocaine-prilocaine cream for premature ejaculation (EMLA) is available by prescription. Lidocaine sprays for premature ejaculation are available over-the-counter.
Although topical anesthetic agents are effective and well-tolerated, they have potential side effects. For example, some men report temporary loss of sensitivity and decreased sexual pleasure. Sometimes, female partners also have reported these effects.
Oral medications
Many medications might delay orgasm. Although none of these drugs are specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat premature ejaculation, some are used for this purpose, including antidepressants, analgesics and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. These medications might be prescribed for either on-demand or daily use, and might be prescribed alone or in combination with other treatments.
- Antidepressants. A side effect of certain antidepressants is delayed orgasm. For this reason, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil) or fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), are used to help delay ejaculation.Of those approved for use in the United States, paroxetine seems to be the most effective. These medications usually take five to 10 days to begin working. But it might take two to three weeks of treatment before you’ll see the full effect.If SSRIs don’t improve the timing of your ejaculation, your doctor might prescribe the tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine (Anafranil). Unwanted side effects of antidepressants might include nausea, perspiration, drowsiness and decreased libido.
- Analgesics. Tramadol (Ultram) is a medication commonly used to treat pain. It also has side effects that delay ejaculation. Unwanted side effects might include nausea, headache, sleepiness and dizziness.It might be prescribed when SSRIs haven’t been effective. Tramadol can’t be used in combination with an SSRI.
- Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Some medications used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca) or vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), also might help premature ejaculation. Unwanted side effects might include headache, facial flushing and indigestion. These medications might be more effective when used in combination with an SSRI.
