Premature ejaculation
Treatment options for ejaculating sooner than you would like.
Treatment requires a consultation with a licensed provider. A prescription is not guaranteed — the provider decides what, if anything, is appropriate and safe for you.
About premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation means ejaculating sooner than you or your partner would like, often within about a minute of penetration, in a way that causes distress. It is the most common male sexual complaint and it responds well to treatment. It sometimes occurs alongside erectile dysfunction or anxiety, and treating those can resolve it.
Treatment options
Plain-language summaries. Your provider decides what is appropriate for you.
Topical lidocaine or prilocaine
Sprays, creams, or wipes applied before sex to reduce sensitivity. Applied 10-15 minutes beforehand and typically wiped off or used with a condom to avoid transferring numbness to a partner.
SSRIs (off-label)
Low-dose sertraline, paroxetine, or similar, taken daily or before sex. Delayed ejaculation is a known side effect of SSRIs and is used therapeutically here. This is an off-label use in the US.
Behavioral techniques
Start-stop and squeeze techniques, pelvic floor training, and partner communication. Effective and worth doing alongside medication.
Treating co-occurring ED
When rushing stems from fear of losing an erection, treating ED can help the timing problem.
How it works
- 1
Tell us the basics
State, service interest, and contact details.
- 2
Clinical visit
A licensed provider reviews your history, medications, and whether ED or anxiety is contributing.
- 3
Plan
Behavioral guidance, a topical, or an off-label oral option, if appropriate.
- 4
Follow up
Adjust based on results and side effects.
Realistic timeline
What people typically experience. Individual results vary and are never guaranteed.
- TopicalsEffect is immediate on the occasion used.
- On-demand SSRITaken a few hours before sex; effect is usually noticeable the same day.
- Daily SSRIOften takes 1-2 weeks to reach full effect.
Safety, side effects & interactions
You deserve this information before you decide, not after.
Common side effects
- Topicals: numbness for you or your partner, mild irritation, reduced sensation
- SSRIs: nausea, drowsiness, headache, reduced libido, sleep changes
Serious risks
- SSRIs carry a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people under 25.
- Serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs.
- Do not stop a daily SSRI abruptly — taper with your provider.
Interactions
- MAO inhibitors, triptans, tramadol, linezolid, St John's wort — serotonin risk
- Blood thinners and NSAIDs — increased bleeding risk
Who this is — and isn't — for
May be a fit if
- Adults 18+ bothered by ejaculating sooner than desired
Not appropriate if
- A sudden new change accompanied by pain, blood, or urinary symptoms — see a clinician in person
- Untreated bipolar disorder or current suicidal thoughts (for SSRI options)
Pricing
Common questions
Is this permanent treatment?
Not necessarily. Some people use a topical only occasionally; others use a daily medication for a period alongside behavioral techniques and then taper off with their provider.
Is a prescription guaranteed?
No. Treatment requires a consultation with a licensed provider, who may recommend behavioral treatment alone.
Will my partner feel the numbing product?
It can transfer. Follow the timing instructions, wipe off excess, or use a condom.
Ready to see if this is right for you?
Start with a few basics — state, service, and how to reach you. The medical questionnaire is completed with a licensed provider.
Start your visitThis page is general health education, not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for care from your own clinician. If this is an emergency, call 911.