Effective Home Remedies for Premature Ejaculation

As embarrassing and frustrating as premature ejaculation can be, there are ways to address the disorder.

And while it may take some trial and error to find what works for you and your partner(s), that’s also a great reason to have more sex and try new things—even ones not meant to address ejaculation troubles. 

From diet to supplements to sex practices, different home remedies may work for different people, and certain solutions that work for an individual in some situations may not work at other times.

Stay patient as you consider the options discussed in this article, and if you still have troubles, talk to your doctor.

You may have an underlying medical condition that they can help address.

What Is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation affects up to 39% of men, making it one of the most common male sexual disorders.

Doctors diagnose premature ejaculation if: 

• Ejaculation occurs within one minute of penetration
• This has been happening for at least six months
• It’s causing distress
• No other medical condition could be the cause

Premature ejaculation is often classified in two ways:

• Lifelong: It’s happened during all or nearly all sexual encounters in one’s life.
• Acquired: It developed after having sexual experiences with no problems.

Though it can be stressful, a variety of treatments, including premature ejaculation pills and home remedies, can help delay ejaculation.

Effective Home Remedies for Premature Ejaculation

Finding the right home remedy for premature ejaculation may require some patience—what works for some others might not work well for you.

Still, there are several techniques that you can try to help delay ejaculation. 

Masturbate before sex

Though research is limited on the effects of masturbating before sex to delay ejaculation later on, some men report that doing so one to two hours before can help.

Keep in mind that this method works only if you’re able to achieve a second erection during that time frame.

Pelvic floor exercises

Research suggests that pelvic floor therapy may help those with lifelong premature ejaculation strengthen their pelvic floor muscles and control their ejaculatory reflex.

This can help delay climax during sexual intercourse.

Talk to your doctor about whether this approach is right for you and which exercises may help.

Also consider working with a pelvic floor therapist trained to work with men if you decide to try this.

Zinc or magnesium supplements

Evidence is limited on the effects of zinc and magnesium on sexual health and premature ejaculation.

However, one study found that men with premature ejaculation had lower levels of magnesium in their sperm than men who did not experience premature ejaculation.

Another animal study found that zinc therapy may improve sexual satisfaction and be effective in therapeutic applications of sexual dysfunction, including premature ejaculation.

Since their effects are not objectively proven, talk to your doctor before trying zinc and magnesium supplements for premature ejaculation or overall sexual function.

Stop-start method

The stop-start method involves repeated sexual stimulation and pauses to help delay ejaculation and orgasm.

When the man feels that he is close to orgasm, he and his partner stop the sexual interaction for 30 seconds before starting again.

This pattern is repeated as often as necessary to help delay ejaculation. 

Condoms for climax control

Using condoms during sexual intercourse may help to desensitize the penis and delay ejaculation.

Condoms designed specifically for climax control are available over the counter (OTC).

These condoms may contain a numbing agent, like lidocaine or benzocaine, and they may also be made of thicker latex.

However, keep in mind that they may limit the pleasure experienced during sexual activity.

Pause-squeeze method

Also called the squeeze technique, the pause-squeeze method is a behavioral therapy approach that may help delay orgasm.

With this approach, the man interrupts sex when he feels he is close to ejaculating prematurely.

He or his partner squeezes the shaft of the penis between a thumb and two fingers.

Then they apply light pressure just below the head of the penis for 20 seconds.

Afterward, they can resume having sex. This method can be repeated as often as necessary during a sexual encounter.

Topical creams or sprays

Research shows that the use of topical cream, gel, or spray local anesthetics—including lignocaine and prilocaine—can be moderately effective at delaying ejaculation.

These products help to numb the penis and reduce the stimulation that can trigger orgasm.

However, like condoms used for climax control, they may also interfere with the pleasure experienced during sex.

Chinese herbal medicine

More research is needed to determine the efficacy of alternative therapies like Chinese herbal medicine in delaying ejaculation.

One systematic review found that some types of Chinese medicine helped to increase ejaculation time by about two and a half minutes.

But some adverse side effects were reported, including stomach pain, dizziness, and decreased sex drive. 

Healthy diet

Put simply: When you’re in good health, the more likely you are to be in good sexual health.

While there isn’t sufficient evidence to suggest a direct correlation between diet and premature ejaculation, eating foods rich in magnesium may help to optimize sexual health and performance.

This includes eating more green leafy vegetables, certain fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds, and some fish. 

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing symptoms of premature ejaculation and this is causing distress, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

They can help identify the cause and determine how best to mitigate your symptoms.

If home remedies do not work or don’t appeal to you, behavioral therapy or medical treatment may help.

How K Health Can Help

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Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. 

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