Premature ejaculation (PE) is when you ejaculate sooner than you or your partner would like during sex, most of the time. It's one of the most common sexual problems men have, and it's very treatable. Simple techniques, numbing sprays and a tablet made specifically for PE all help men last longer. MedsRus offers a prescription tablet made for PE and a pharmacy delay spray after a confidential online consultation with a UK prescriber, delivered in plain packaging.
What counts as premature ejaculation?
There's no exact time limit, and most men come sooner than they'd like now and then. PE is usually diagnosed when:
- you ejaculate within about 1 to 3 minutes of penetration, most of the time;
- you feel you can't delay it;
- it's causing you or your partner distress.
Lifelong PE has been there since your first sexual experiences. Acquired PE starts later, after a period of lasting longer.
What causes premature ejaculation?
Usually it's a mix of things:
- psychological: anxiety about performance, stress, depression or relationship problems;
- learned habits: rushing during early sexual experiences;
- physical: erection problems (worry about losing an erection can make men rush), an overactive thyroid, prostate inflammation, or sensitivity of the penis.
If you also have trouble getting or keeping an erection, treating that first often helps. See our erectile dysfunction treatment page. Our premature ejaculation guide covers the causes in more detail.
Premature ejaculation treatment options
| Dapoxetine tablet (Priligy) | Lidocaine spray (Stud 100) | Lidocaine and prilocaine cream (Emla) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Delays the ejaculation reflex | Numbs the head of the penis | Numbs the head of the penis |
| When to use it | 1 to 3 hours before sex | 5 to 15 minutes before sex | 10 to 20 minutes before sex |
| Needs a prescription | Yes | No, pharmacy medicine | Not licensed for PE |
| Good to know | No more than one tablet in 24 hours | Wash off before sex | Not licensed for PE; wash off before sex |
Dapoxetine (Priligy)
Priligy is the only tablet licensed in the UK specifically for premature ejaculation. It's a short-acting medicine from the same family as some antidepressants, and it works by increasing serotonin, which delays ejaculation. You take it only when you plan to have sex, rather than every day.
Studies show it can help men last noticeably longer. It usually works best after a few tries. Read more in does Priligy work?
Delay sprays and creams
Numbing products reduce sensitivity so you can last longer.
- Stud 100 is a lidocaine spray. Our guide to premature ejaculation sprays explains how to use it.
- Emla cream is a numbing cream licensed for other uses. Some men use it for PE, but this is off-label. See Emla cream for premature ejaculation.
Use a small amount, and wash it off before sex, or use a condom, so your partner doesn't go numb too. Too much can make it hard to keep an erection. Some numbing products can weaken condoms, so check the leaflet.
Techniques that help you last longer
These work well on their own for some men, and alongside treatment for others.
- Stop-start: during sex or masturbation, stop when you feel close to coming, wait until the feeling passes, then carry on. Repeat a few times.
- The squeeze: when you feel close, you or your partner squeeze the tip of the penis for a few seconds until the urge goes.
- Pelvic floor exercises: strengthening these muscles helps some men gain more control.
- Masturbating an hour or two before sex can help you last longer.
- Thicker condoms reduce sensitivity a little.
Talking openly with your partner takes the pressure off, and pressure is often part of the problem. If anxiety or relationship issues are involved, a sex therapist or counsellor can help.
Side effects and safety
Dapoxetine can cause feeling sick, dizziness, headaches and, rarely, fainting. If you feel lightheaded, sit or lie down straight away. Don't drink alcohol with it, as this increases the risk of fainting. It isn't suitable if you take antidepressants or certain other medicines, or have some heart, liver or mental health conditions. The consultation checks this.
Numbing sprays and creams can cause temporary loss of erection or mild irritation, for you or your partner.
When to see a GP
See your GP if PE has started suddenly, you have pain when ejaculating, there's blood in your semen, or you also have urinary symptoms. These can be signs of an infection or prostate problem.
How to order PE treatment from MedsRus
- Complete a confidential consultation about your health, your symptoms and any medicines you take.
- A UK prescriber reviews it and approves a suitable treatment.
- We send it in plain, unmarked packaging.
Premature ejaculation FAQs
Is premature ejaculation common?
Very. Most men experience it at some point, and it's one of the most common sexual problems doctors see.
Can premature ejaculation be cured?
Often, yes. Many men gain lasting control through techniques, treatment or both. Acquired PE often improves when the cause is treated.
What's the best premature ejaculation treatment?
It depends. Techniques like stop-start help many men on their own. A delay spray works quickly for occasional use, and dapoxetine is the only tablet licensed for PE. Many men combine a technique with one of these.
Can I buy premature ejaculation pills over the counter?
No. Dapoxetine needs a prescription, which our UK prescriber can provide after an online consultation. Delay sprays are available from pharmacies.
How long does Priligy last?
It's taken 1 to 3 hours before sex and works for that sexual encounter. Don't take more than one tablet in 24 hours.
Can I take Priligy with Viagra?
Some men use both, but it depends on your health. Taking them together can make dizziness more likely, so the prescriber will check this first. Tell the prescriber about every medicine you take.
Does Viagra make you last longer?
Not directly, though it can help if PE is linked to worry about erections. Read does Viagra make you last longer?
Will my partner feel the numbing spray?
They can, if it's still on the skin. Wash it off before sex, or use a condom.
Further reading
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