Sexual concerns, including premature ejaculation, are relatively common.
Premature ejaculation happens when a person with a penis climaxes before they or their partner would’ve wanted to during sex. People dealing with premature ejaculation tend to orgasm before or directly after penetration and are usually unable to delay ejaculation.
The condition can lead to frustration and anxiety. Some people with premature ejaculation may avoid sex as a result. But there are treatments that can help.
Premature ejaculation wipes
Premature ejaculation wipes work by reducing sensation in the tip of the penis. These wipes contain benzocaine, a topical anesthetic that blocks the sodium channels that cause sensation in the penis.
A small 2017 study found that participants who used these wipes for at least 2 months experienced less distress related to intercourse. The majority of participants also ejaculated well after the 2-minute time period that’s typical of premature ejaculation.
The study participants also reported the wipes were well tolerated (i.e., no heavy side effects). But make sure to talk with your doctor before trying these benzocaine wipes, as topical anesthetic can cause more serious side effects in certain individuals.
Topical creams
Like premature ejaculation wipes, many over-the-counter topical anesthetic creams contain a numbing agent that can treat premature ejaculation by reducing sensation and delaying climax. Apply the cream to your penis 10 to 15 minutes before sex for it to be most effective.
A 2017 review found that topical creams helped increase the time it took to ejaculate by a few minutes. Although generally well-tolerated, anesthetic creams can cause:
mild pain
mild burning sensation
decreased libido
a temporary loss of sensitivity
Talk with your doctor about the right topical cream for such a sensitive area.
Lidocaine spray
Like topical creams, lidocaine spray can help treat premature ejaculation by desensitizing the penis and decreasing hypersensitivity.
Individuals should use the spray approximately 15 minutes before sexTrusted Source in order for it to work best. Known potential side effects include temporary sensitivity loss and some difficulty maintaining an erection for the 15 minutes before intercourse.
‘Climax control’ condoms
In general, condoms can 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 meant to delay climax.
Supplements for premature ejaculation
Zinc supplements
Zinc not only supports healthy immunity and cell growth, but the essential mineral may also help produce testosterone, which in some cases may help with premature ejaculation.
Zinc is one of the more natural treatments for men living with lowered testosterone. Even though it’s not always sufficient in every case, 220 mg of zinc sulfate, twice a day, over 1 to 4 months, is often recommended.
It’s important to note that more is not always better, especially with supplements. Taking too much zinc may cause:
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
kidney and stomach damage
a metallic taste in your mouth
Ayurvedic herbal medicine
Ayurveda is India’s traditional healing system. It relies on thousands of herbs to treat everything from diabetes to inflammation.
Certain Ayurvedic medicines, like kaunch beej, kamini vidrawan ras, and yauvanamrit vati, are thought to treat premature ejaculation when taken in capsule form twice daily with lukewarm water. Ayurvedic medicine has also been used in an effort to treat erectile dysfunction.
A 2017 study found that men who used Ayurvedic medicine saw a slight increase in the time it took to ejaculate during sex. Known potential side effects include:
stomach pain
dizziness
mild pain
decreased libido
Talk with a healthcare professional before adding any extra herbs or supplements to your diet. They may affect other medications you’re taking and may not be advisable for everyone.
Chinese herbal medicine
A weekly or daily dose of Chinese herbal medicine — in particular, Yimusake tablets or Qilin pills — may treat premature ejaculation by boosting sexual stamina and improving energy.
That 2017 study also found that different types of Chinese herbal medicine can increase ejaculation time by about 2 minutes. Known potential side effects include:
stomach pain
dizziness
mild pain
Again, make sure to talk with a healthcare professional before adding any extra herbs or supplements to your diet.
Dietary changes
In addition to zinc, magnesium also plays a role in your sexual health and may play a role in premature ejaculation, according to research.
Incorporating foods into your diet 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 ease premature ejaculation by letting arousal dwindle before climax. When you feel you’re ready to ejaculate, stop and have you or 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. Be sure to communicate with your partner during this process because they won’t know the correct timing otherwise.
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.
An older 2014 studyTrusted Source 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, like 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.
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 intercourse 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 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.
Source: www.healthline.com
