Premature ejaculation occurs when a man ejaculates too quickly during sex, often before or within one to two minutes of starting intercourse. There are two main types:

• Primary premature ejaculation: This occurs when a man has experienced premature ejaculation since he first began having sex.
• Secondary premature ejaculation: This develops later in life, where premature ejaculation begins suddenly, even though it wasn't an issue in the past.

How Common Is Premature Ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation affects around one in three men at some point in their lives. If it happens infrequently, it typically isn't a problem. However, if it becomes a recurring issue, you may consider seeking treatment to help you last longer during sex.

How Long Do Men Last in Bed?
On average, studies show that men last about 5.5 minutes in bed before ejaculating. The ideal duration before ejaculation is a personal matter to discuss with your partner. There’s no need to feel ashamed or pressured based on how long it takes you to ejaculate.

Causes of Premature Ejaculation
There is no single cause of premature ejaculation, and it may result from a combination of factors. It is often linked to psychological issues, but physical conditions can also contribute.

Physical Causes
Common physical causes of premature ejaculation include:

• Hormonal imbalances or irregular hormone levels
• Irregular brain chemical levels, such as serotonin
• Prostate problems, like an enlarged prostate
• Thyroid issues, such as an overactive thyroid
• Alcohol consumption and recreational drug use

Psychological Causes
Common psychological causes of premature ejaculation include:

• Anxiety, especially with a new partner
• Depression
• Stress
• Past negative sexual experiences

Medications for Premature Ejaculation
There are two common treatments available for premature ejaculation: a pill and a cream. After reviewing your answers to a brief questionnaire, our doctors will determine the most suitable treatment for you.

Premature Ejaculation Pills
Priligy is a widely prescribed medication for treating premature ejaculation. It contains Dapoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which increases serotonin levels in your body. This helps delay the brain's reaction that causes ejaculation, extending the time it takes to ejaculate. It’s typically taken an hour before sexual activity.

Premature Ejaculation Creams
EMLA cream is applied directly to the penis 15-30 minutes before sex. It’s rubbed into the underside of the shaft near the tip, numbing the area to reduce sensitivity. This can help men last longer before ejaculation.

Since EMLA is oil-based, it can reduce the effectiveness of latex condoms. If using this cream, opt for polyurethane condoms to ensure protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. Make sure to wash off the cream before engaging in sexual activity.

How to Get Premature Ejaculation Treatment
You can obtain premature ejaculation treatment in a few different ways. You might be able to visit your GP, although this depends on local prescribing guidelines, or you can use a trusted online doctor service like Superdrug Online Doctor. It's crucial to only purchase medications from reputable providers, especially when ordering online.

Can I Buy Premature Ejaculation Treatment Online?
Yes, you can buy premature ejaculation treatments online through a trusted provider like Superdrug Online Doctor. The process is simple:

1. Fill out a brief health questionnaire.
2. Order and pay for your treatment.
3. A doctor will review your order to ensure it's the right treatment for you.
4. Your prescription can be collected from any Superdrug pharmacy or delivered directly to your home.

If you have any questions, you can message one of our doctors for a prompt response via your account.

Can I Get Premature Ejaculation Treatment Over the Counter?
No, premature ejaculation treatments, including pills and creams, are only available with a prescription. This is because they may not be suitable for everyone and could interact with other medications or be unsafe for some individuals. A doctor must first assess whether these treatments are appropriate for you before prescribing them.

Can I Get Premature Ejaculation Treatment on the NHS?
You may be able to receive premature ejaculation treatment on the NHS, depending on your GP's location. However, some GPs may not be able to prescribe it. It's best to contact your GP to confirm.

Possible Side Effects of Premature Ejaculation Treatments

Like all medications, treatments for premature ejaculation can cause side effects. It's important to read the product information leaflet that comes with the medication for a complete list. Below are some common side effects to be aware of:

Priligy (Dapoxetine)
Common side effects of Priligy may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

EMLA Cream
Common side effects of EMLA cream may include:

• Skin swelling
• Redness of the skin
• Burning or itching sensation when applied

If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to contact your doctor without delay.

These treatments for premature ejaculation may not be right for everyone. Some medical conditions and medications can interact with these treatments and make them less effective or even unsafe. Some people who have premature ejaculation may not need medical treatment and may be able to overcome it without the need for a prescription.

Priligy interactions

Priligy can interact with some medications, which include:

• Medications called MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
• SSRIs or SNRIs
• St John’s wort
• medications for epilepsy
• some other medications for anxiety, depression and psychosis
• Some antibiotics, antifungals and HIV treatments
• Some medications for heart conditions
• Warfarin

You should make your doctor aware of any medications you are taking before they prescribe you Priligy.

Priligy should not be taken by people who are under the age of 18 or are female. You should also not drink alcohol when taking the medication.

The tablets should be taken with at least one full glass of water and swallowed whole to avoid their bitter taste. You should not drink grapefruit juice in the 24 hours before taking Priligy as this can increase the level of the medicine in your body. The tablets can be taken with or without food.

EMLA interactions

EMLA cream should not be used if you are allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, or other local anaesthetics. It can interact with some medications, including:

• other local anaesthetics
• cimetidine
• amiodarone
• some antibiotics
• some antiepileptics
• medications used to treat a slow or irregular heartbeat

You should still tell your doctor about any medications you are taking before they prescribe you EMLA cream.

The cream should not be applied to skin that is cut or grazed or has eczema. You must be careful when applying the cream and make sure you do not get any in your eyes, nose, ears, mouth, or anus. Any excess cream should be wiped away before you have unprotected sex to prevent it from affecting your partner.

• Ejaculation Problems (2019) NHS [Accessed 26 October 2021]
• Can Premature Ejaculation Be Controlled (2020) NHS [Accessed 26 October 2021]
• Lidocaine for Skin (2019) NHS [Accessed 27 October 2021]
• Priligy 30mg Film-Coated Tablets (2021) EMC [Accessed 27 October 2021]
• EMLA Cream 5% (2016) EMC [Accessed 27 October 2021]
• Dapoxetine: An Evidence-Based Review of Its Effectiveness in the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation (2012) PubMed [Accessed 23 August 2024]