What is Premature Ejaculation (PE)?

Premature ejaculation, also known as “PE”, “finishing too soon,” or “not lasting long,” is a condition where men ejaculate sooner than expected or cannot control ejaculation during sexual activity. It can affect men of all ages.

For Thai men, the average time to ejaculate is around 5-7 minutes, but ejaculating within 1-2 minutes or even before penetration is considered premature. PE impacts both partners:

• For men, it can cause anxiety and self-esteem issues, potentially straining the relationship.
• For women, it may leave them feeling dissatisfied, leading to frustration in the relationship.

How to Overcome Premature Ejaculation

While PE can be embarrassing, it is neither unusual nor a severe medical condition. Unfortunately, societal stigma often portrays men with PE as having inferior sexual performance, discouraging them from seeking help. If left untreated, it may lead to emotional distress and relationship challenges. Here are six strategies to address and improve the situation:

1. Masters and Johnson Method

This technique involves self-training to control ejaculation. The steps are:

1. Masturbate until close to ejaculation, then stop.
2. Wait for your body to relax before resuming.
3. Repeat this process 3-4 times, gradually pushing your limits to recognize and control your climax threshold.

Practicing this technique regularly can help you build confidence and prevent overexcitement during actual intimacy.

2. Squeeze Technique

Combine this with the first method for better results. When you feel close to climax:

• Use your thumb and forefinger to gently squeeze the base or head of your penis for about 3-4 seconds.
• This action reduces blood flow temporarily, decreasing arousal and delaying ejaculation.

Studies show that this technique can reduce premature ejaculation in 50-95% of men.

3. Master Foreplay

Instead of rushing into penetration, focus on foreplay to ease tension and reduce anxiety. However, avoid prolonged foreplay, as it may inadvertently increase arousal and lead to quicker ejaculation.

Foreplay not only helps you relax but also allows your partner to achieve satisfaction more quickly, creating a more fulfilling experience for both.

4. Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which are crucial for controlling ejaculation. To perform:

1. Squeeze the muscles you use to stop a bowel movement.
2. Hold for 10 seconds, then release.
3. Repeat for 10-15 sets daily for noticeable improvement.

Regular practice helps you control ejaculation and enhances overall sexual performance.

5. Use Condoms

Condoms are not only effective for preventing pregnancy and STDs but also for delaying ejaculation. Choose thicker condoms or those with a desensitizing agent to reduce stimulation and prolong intercourse.

6. Delay Devices

Devices like cock rings can help delay ejaculation by restricting blood flow at the base of the penis, maintaining a longer-lasting erection. These are effective for extending time during intimacy.

Seeking Professional Help

If these techniques don’t yield the desired results, consult a specialist. In some cases, medication or therapy may be necessary. Many men avoid seeking medical advice due to embarrassment, but addressing the issue with a doctor can lead to faster and more effective treatment.

Premature ejaculation is a manageable condition, and with the right approach, you can overcome it and improve your sexual confidence and relationship satisfaction.

Q&A  About Preventing Premature Ejaculation (PE)

Q1: What is premature ejaculation (PE)?
A: Premature ejaculation (PE) is when a man ejaculates sooner than he wants during sex or feels unable to control ejaculation, causing distress or dissatisfaction for one or both partners.

Q2: How do I know if I have PE?
A: PE is often suspected when ejaculation happens repeatedly within about 1–2 minutes of penetration (or before penetration), you feel you can’t control it, and it negatively affects confidence, intimacy, or your relationship.

Q3: What is the Stop–Start (Masters & Johnson) method and how does it help?
A: The Stop–Start method trains you to recognize your “point of no return.” You stimulate until you’re close to orgasm, stop and relax, then start again—repeating several times. With regular practice, many men improve control and last longer during sex.

Q4: What is the Squeeze technique and when should I use it?
A: When you feel close to climax, you gently squeeze the base or head of the penis for a few seconds to lower arousal and delay ejaculation. It’s often used together with Stop–Start for better results.

Q5: When should I seek professional help for PE?
A: Consider seeing a specialist if PE persists despite practice, causes significant stress, affects your relationship, or occurs alongside erection issues, pain, or anxiety. A clinician can assess causes and discuss options such as counseling, topical treatments, or medication when appropriate.

MD. Suebphong Angchoun

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