Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is when you regularly ejaculate sooner than you wish and it's a problem for you and your partner.

4 min

On this page

Spectacles Icon

Medically reviewed by

Dr Ravind Pandher

What is premature ejaculation?

There are many different definitions of premature ejaculation. If you regularly ejaculate sooner than you wish, or with minimal stimulation, and it is a problem for you and your partner, you may have premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation can be lifelong or acquired. Lifelong premature ejaculation refers to when it is present from someone’s first sexual experience. Acquired premature ejaculation develops after previously having a longer, satisfactory time to ejaculation.

It might be generalised (occurring in most situations or on most occasions regardless of partner) or situational (only occurring with some types of stimulation or with a particular partner).

Premature ejaculation is the most common sexual problem in the world affecting at least 1 in 3 to 1 in 5 men aged 18-59. However, people are reluctant to talk about the issue so the incidence might be higher.

Symptoms of premature ejaculation

Symptoms of premature ejaculation are different between individuals. Whether your premature ejaculation is lifelong or acquired, generalised or situational, are important considerations that may influence your diagnosis and treatment.

In some men, premature ejaculation occurs along with erectile dysfunction.

Causes of premature ejaculation

Diagnosis of premature ejaculation

There are no specific tests needed to diagnose premature ejaculation, but your doctor might order some tests so they can be sure of the cause.

If you’re worried about how quickly you ejaculate during sexual activity, your doctor will ask you some questions to understand your concerns and start to understand the cause or problem.

Your doctor may use a questionnaire (e.g. the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool) to help them understand how premature ejaculation is affecting you.

Treatment of premature ejaculation

Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on what’s causing it.

There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat premature ejaculation.

Talking with a psychologist, sex therapist or other mental health professional may help. Behavioural treatments, like the ‘stop-start’ and ‘squeeze’ techniques, are effective for some people.

Masturbation before sexual activity, wearing condoms, pelvic floor exercises and acupuncture might be effective for some people but there isn’t a lot of evidence to support their use.

If premature ejaculation is related to erectile dysfunction, treating the erection problem might solve the ejaculation problem.

You might want to involve your sexual partner in discussions about how to manage premature ejaculation because the issue may affect their sexual satisfaction, and there may be things they can do to help.

Health effects of premature ejaculation

Treatment of premature ejaculation is successful in 30-70% of cases.

Lifelong premature ejaculation cannot be cured but it can be managed with ongoing treatment. Acquired premature ejaculation may be cured by successfully treating the underlying issue.

Premature ejaculation can lead to stress, anxiety, erectile dysfunction and problems with your interpersonal relationships. so it’s important to seek help.

What to do about premature ejaculation

You should be reassured that premature ejaculation is very common and there are effective treatments that can help.

Your doctor can help you identify the reason for your premature ejaculation and find a suitable treatment, so you should see them if your sexual function is a cause of concern for you.

What questions should I ask my doctor about premature ejaculation?

site-logohealthymale.org.au
Premature ejaculation

Did you find this page helpful?

Information provided on this website is not a substitute for medical advice

Call 000 for emergency services

If you or someone you know needs urgent medical attention.

Call MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78 for 24/7 support

MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns.

Sign up to our newsletter

We release two monthly newsletters – one written for men, family and friends, and another for health practitioners.

Your preferred mailing list

Your name

Your email

Stay up to date

FacebookInstagramLinkedinTwitterYoutubespotifytiktok

Healthy Male acknowledges the traditional owners of the land. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future. We are committed to providing respectful, inclusive services and work environments where all individuals feel accepted, safe, affirmed and celebrated. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Disclaimer

Healthy Male is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. This website does not host any form of advertisement. Information provided on this website is not a substitute for medical advice.

Trusted information partner of