You may also notice that the force of your ejaculation and the volume of your semen decreases.

What causes premature ejaculation?

Unresolved emotional issues can significantly impact sexual performance. The Benefits of Counseling or Sex Therapy: Talking with a mental health professional or a sex therapist can provide invaluable tools for coping with stress, reducing performance anxiety, and improving communication with your partner. A 2019 study suggests that a combination of psychological and pharmacological treatment may be most effective for PE. We create a comfortable, non-judgmental space for you to discuss these “awkward” health issues and tailor treatments to your root causes. We understand you have questions, and we’re here to provide clear, straightforward answers.

What you can do

There isn’t a single “best” pill for everyone. The most effective option depends entirely on your individual physiology, the underlying causes of your PE, and your lifestyle. For some, a daily SSRI like Sertraline is the perfect match, slowly building up in the system to improve control. For others, particularly those who also experience erectile dysfunction, an on-demand PDE5 inhibitor like Sildenafil or Tadalafil taken before sex might be ideal, helping with both erection quality and performance anxiety. Still others find great success with topical anesthetics.

Behavioral Techniques for Ejaculatory Control

The key is that a qualified doctor determines the right fit after a thorough evaluation. Research indicates that the average time it takes for a man to orgasm and ejaculate during intercourse is generally between 5 to 7 minutes. However, this is just an average, and there’s a wide spectrum of what’s considered normal. Anywhere between 1 minute and over 30 minutes is not typically a cause for concern if it’s not causing distress or impacting satisfaction. The medical definition of PE isn’t solely about the number on a clock; it’s about the consistent inability to delay ejaculation and the personal distress or relationship difficulties it creates. The hormone testosterone is essential for sperm production and enhances your sex drive.

• Herbal options for delayed ejaculation include maca root and tribulus terrestris.
• Be aware of possible allergic reactions or interactions with existing medications.
• Some drugs have a quick onset, while others take longer to work.
• Psychological counseling alongside medication can address underlying causes.
• The cost of delayed ejaculation pills varies widely, depending on brand and formulation.

Testosterone production usually starts to decrease after you turn 30. Some men may have delayed ejaculation issues in their 40s. But others have no problems ejaculating in their 70s and older.

It can affect some men for their entire lives. For others, it only happens once in a while, or it starts to occur more regularly as they get older.

Coping and support

Delayed ejaculation can be frustrating or unfulfilling, for you or a sexual partner. But it’s normal to have delayed ejaculation sometimes. There’s no “normal” time limit for how long it should take to orgasm or ejaculate. However, if it causes stress and it’s a long-lasting (chronic) issue, a healthcare provider can help. A 2023 study estimates that delayed ejaculation affects at least 5% to 10% of males.

Sex therapy

The primary symptom of delayed ejaculation is that you have trouble ejaculating. Typically, men can ejaculate after only minutes of sexual stimulation. But if you have delayed ejaculation, it may take you 30 minutes or longer. Mental and emotional symptoms can also affect you or your sexual partner. If you or your partner is upset by the time it takes to ejaculate, talk to a healthcare provider.

Is there a treatment for premature ejaculation?

There are physical and psychological (mental and emotional) causes for delayed ejaculation. Conditions that affect your nervous system, such as a stroke, spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis (MS) — nerve damage may also occur as a complication of diabetes or surgery A blockage in your penis, such as an ejaculatory duct obstruction Certain prescription medications, including antibiotics, antidepressants, blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) and alpha blockers such as tamsulosin (Flomax®) Drinking a lot of alcohol or using recreational (nonprescription) drugs Getting older, which may cause natural changes to your testosterone levels, reduced sensitivity in your penis and low sex drive (libido) Feeling guilty about sexual intercourse, possibly due to your upbringing or religious background Feeling angry or uncomfortable with your sexual partner Being afraid of something, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy or childbirth (tokophobia) or hurting your partner emotionally or physically A healthcare provider may suggest that you don’t have a physical cause of delayed ejaculation if you’re able to easily orgasm by yourself but have difficulty with your partner. It’s also possible that you have a certain technique that feels good to you that your partner can’t duplicate, or that you’re not comfortable asking your partner to duplicate. Many men have delayed ejaculation issues as they get older. You may need more time and stimulation to ejaculate. A healthcare provider will ask you questions about your medical history, sexual habits and ejaculation patterns. When did you first notice you had problems ejaculating? Does delayed ejaculation happen a lot, or only sometimes? Are you able to ejaculate when you masturbate? Are you able to ejaculate when you have sexual intercourse? If you can ejaculate, how long does it take?

Do you have any other penile disorders, such as erectile dysfunction or a penile fracture? Do you have any new or changing sexual desires? These questions may feel awkward or intrusive, but they’re an important part of a provider’s diagnosis. It’s important to answer these questions honestly, even if you feel embarrassed. A provider may perform a physical examination and order tests to help identify or rule out other conditions. Semen analysis, particularly if you’re trying to conceive a biological child A healthcare provider may offer several different delayed ejaculation treatments. There isn’t one clear way to treat the condition unless the cause involves certain medications, nonprescription drug use or alcohol use. In those cases, you may need to stop using or find an alternative medication, stop nonprescription drug use or cut down on alcohol. A provider may also recommend that you speak with a therapist (psychotherapy) or sex therapist.

Why trust our experts?

If you’re both happy, then you’re doing just fine! You can read more about this in this overview of premature ejaculation. We encourage you to consult a doctor if: It causes you distress: If PE is bothering you, affecting your self-esteem, or causing anxiety. It negatively impacts your relationship: If it’s creating tension or dissatisfaction between you and your partner. You suspect underlying conditions: PE can sometimes be a symptom of other health issues, such as diabetes, nontypical hormone levels, sleep deprivation, or anxiety.

Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, Aller-Chlor, Chlor-Hist)

A doctor can help rule these out. You want safe and effective treatment: To explore prescription options, discuss behavioral strategies, and receive personalized guidance. Discussing sexual health with a professional can feel daunting, but it’s a common and treatable condition. We create a comfortable, non-judgmental space at our clinics in Clearwater, Tampa, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, and Dunedin, FL.

The Psychological Component: Addressing the Mind

Understanding the range of options available for premature ejaculation is the first step toward taking control and restoring your confidence. From prescription best delay pills like SSRIs and PDE5 inhibitors to effective over-the-counter topical solutions, and powerful behavioral techniques, there’s a path forward for almost everyone. We believe that a holistic, personalized approach is key. Pills are just one tool in the toolbox. Combining medication with lifestyle adjustments, behavioral strategies, and addressing any underlying psychological or hormonal factors often yields the most satisfying and long-lasting results. If delayed ejaculation happens primarily with your partner, they may suggest counseling for both of you. A sex therapist may suggest that you and/or your partner use erotic or masturbatory aids, including: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved a drug treatment for delayed ejaculation. And the FDA doesn’t regulate herbal supplements, so be careful when trying any herbal remedies you might hear about. But some healthcare providers may prescribe medications on an “off-label” basis with some success. This means the medication doesn’t specifically treat delayed ejaculation but has approval for another condition and may help in your situation.

Preparing for an appointment

You don’t have to suffer in silence. Premature ejaculation is a common and treatable issue, and our team at Center for Confidence is dedicated to creating a comfortable, non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss your concerns and receive custom treatment. If you’re ready to explore your options and find your perfect match for lasting performance, we invite you to Start your journey with our Premature Ejaculation Treatment in Clearwater or any of our other convenient Florida locations. We’re here to help you regain control and confidence, both in and out of the bedroom. If you have delayed ejaculation, you or your partner may find sexual intercourse frustrating instead of pleasurable because of the time it takes you to ejaculate.

On average, how long does a man last?

It may have physical or psychological causes. The first step is to talk to a provider and get a physical exam. Treatment may include therapy or changes to your medications. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.

1. Anesthetic creams and sprays

We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Delayed ejaculation is when you take a long time and need a lot of stimulation to reach sexual climax (orgasm) and release semen from your penis (ejaculate or cum). It’s a type of ejaculatory disorder. In some cases, you might not fildena ct ejaculate at all. Delayed ejaculation can happen when you’re masturbating or having sexual intercourse with a partner. Testosterone subcutaneous injection or testosterone subcutaneous pellets Amantadine, a treatment for Parkinson’s disease Oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and lactation after childbirth. Your body also produces it after you orgasm Cabergoline, a drug that promotes dopamine levels These medications may or may not help.

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used for delaying ejaculation.
• Some pills are designed to extend the time before ejaculation, improving confidence.
• Pills might interact with other medications, so inform your healthcare provider.
• Results may take several weeks to become noticeable with some medications.
• Regular monitoring by a doctor is recommended when using sexual performance pills.