PREMATURE EJACULATION PROGRAM

You can consult a doctor about premature ejaculation online with a Simple Online Doctor, an Australian-registered online doctor. You may complete an online assessment and brief consultation with Australian-registered doctors who will evaluate your suitability for a program.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a condition in men that involves ejaculation before penetration or within one minute of sexual penetration. Duration of sex varies from couple to couple, and there’s no one right duration. However, any sex resulting in disappointment, feelings of embarrassment, and damage to confidence should be addressed.

According to a study, between 21-31% of adult males will experience premature ejaculation. It’s further stated that the actual number of people with the condition is likely much higher. The condition is commonly not reported and undertreated due to feelings of embarrassment or shame among men suffering from the condition. 

There are two types of PE: those who experience lifelong premature ejaculation and those who have acquired premature ejaculation. Most importantly, both types of premature ejaculation can be helped, which can drastically improve relationships and mental well-being.

Common symptoms of premature ejaculation may include:

• Ejaculation occurs very quickly during sexual activity
• Difficulty delaying ejaculation
• Feeling little control over ejaculation timing
• Experiencing frustration, embarrassment, or reduced confidence
• Avoiding sexual intimacy due to performance concerns

If these symptoms occur regularly or begin affecting well-being or relationships, discussing them with a doctor may be helpful.

The causes of PE can be both physical and psychological.

Physical Causes of PE

High Sensitivity

Sometimes men have a larger number of nerves in the penis and a lower threshold to ejaculate. This large number of nerves, paired with a lower threshold, means that pleasure can be intensified during sexual activity. This heightened sensitivity makes it more difficult to control the timing of ejaculation, leading to lifelong premature ejaculation. 

Erectile Dysfunction

Difficulty maintaining an erection or erectile dysfunction can sometimes lead to PE. This can be due in part to feelings of anxiety about losing an erection mid-sex. This leads men to rush to ejaculation to avoid this perceived embarrassment.

The starting treatment for this type of PE is actually treating erectile dysfunction. It's important to note that the use of some treatments for ED and PE together is NOT recommended, and if both need to be treated, you must speak with your GP.

Alcohol and Drugs

Drinking in moderation should not cause PE. It’s overdrinking alcohol that has been proven to cause issues with sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and, yes, premature ejaculation. Similarly, recreational drugs have also been shown to result in these sexual dysfunctions.

Medicines

Prescription drugs can cause PE, particularly those that also change hormones and mood, such as steroids and antidepressants. If your treatment may be causing your PE, please speak to your health professional before making any changes to your treatment.

Psychological Causes of PE

Anxiety

For many men, anxiety can play a significant role in premature ejaculation. This may include performance anxiety, concerns about losing an erection, fear of disappointing a partner, or general stress around sexual activity. In some cases, past experiences or negative associations with sex may also contribute.

When anxiety is a contributing factor, addressing the underlying stress or confidence concerns can sometimes help improve symptoms over time. Progress can vary from person to person, and improvement may occur gradually as the underlying factors are better understood and managed.

New Relationships

It is common to experience nervousness or performance anxiety in new sexual relationships. This can sometimes lead to premature ejaculation, particularly if someone has not been sexually active for a period of time.

As comfort and confidence develop with a partner, these symptoms may improve naturally for some individuals. However, if premature ejaculation continues even after you feel more relaxed in the relationship, it may be helpful to discuss your symptoms with a clinician

Guilt

Some individuals may experience feelings of guilt or discomfort around sex due to cultural, religious, or personal beliefs. These feelings can persist even after leaving a restrictive environment and may impact sexual confidence or contribute to premature ejaculation.

Premature Ejaculation treatment varies depending on individual health and needs and should be determined by a doctor.

Sexual therapists are the most effective treatments for PE caused by psychological reasons. Performance anxiety around sex, in particular, should be treated this way in conjunction with medicated treatments for the best result. Addressing the underlying cause (anxiety or trauma) will likely result in curing premature ejaculation and the reduction of medicine use. Therapy can be done alone if sexual partners are causal or together with long term partners for more specific advice. 

In some cases, certain behavioural techniques and lifestyle strategies may help improve control over ejaculation. These approaches focus on building awareness of physical responses during sexual activity and strengthening the muscles involved in sexual function.

The Stop–Start Technique

This technique involves slowing down or pausing sexual stimulation when ejaculation feels close. Once the sensation reduces, stimulation can begin again. Practising this method over time may help improve awareness and control.

The Squeeze Technique

This technique involves applying pressure by squeezing the shaft between the thumb and index finger. Holding this pressure for several seconds may reduce the urge to ejaculate before continuing sexual activity.

Pre-Sex Masturbation

Some people try masturbating one to two hours before sexual activity. While this approach is sometimes discussed, research supporting its effectiveness is limited. Timing too close to sexual activity may also affect sexual desire or erection quality for some individuals.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises, often called Kegel exercises, aim to strengthen the muscles involved in erection and ejaculation control. Regular practice may help improve muscle strength and support better control during sexual activity.

If you're experiencing concerns about premature ejaculation, taking the first step to understand what may be contributing can be a useful starting point.

Speaking with a doctor allows for a discreet assessment and personalised guidance to help identify possible physical or psychological factors that may be affecting sexual performance.

Early discussion can help you better understand your symptoms and explore appropriate management approaches suited to your individual circumstances.

Connect with a clinical team for a professional assessment and, where appropriate, begin building a plan to help manage premature ejaculation and support your sexual wellbeing.