Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) means ejaculating sooner than you or your partner would like, usually within a very short time and with little control over when it happens.

 

Most men experience it at some point. It can happen from the very first sexual experiences (lifelong PE), or start later after a period of normal control (acquired PE).

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For many men, the cause is more emotional than physical. Feeling anxious, rushed, or over-excited can make the body respond too quickly. This often starts a cycle: after ejaculating quickly once, you worry about it happening again, and that very worry keeps it going.

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Physical factors can play a part too, such as sensitivity levels or, sometimes, an underlying health issue. But even then, anxiety usually makes things worse.

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The biggest factor is often anxiety, especially worry about performance or about disappointing a partner.

 

Other common causes include stress, feeling low, relationship tension, early sexual experiences where you learned to rush, and simply high excitement, particularly with a new partner or after a break from sex.

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PE generally responds very well to treatment, and often improves in a short space of time.
 

• Methods like the "stop-start" technique teach you to notice the build-up of arousal and the point before ejaculation - and learn to slow down and build more control over time.
   

• Taking the pressure off. Step-by-step exercises let couples enjoy closeness without the pressure of "lasting," which breaks the cycle of worry.
   

• Understanding the worry. A therapist can help you notice and change the anxious thoughts that make things happen faster.
   

• Working as a couple. Talking things through together eases tension and helps you both feel more relaxed and connected.
   

These approaches work well on their own, and can also be combined with medication or numbing creams from your doctor to help build confidence.

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Because acquired PE can sometimes be linked to other issues, such as erectile difficulties or a health problem, it is worth checking your general health too.

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If this sounds familiar, a private, confidential first appointment can help find the cause and the right treatment for you.

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