What is Premature Ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation is one of the most common sexual issues affecting men of all ages. It typically refers to when a person with a penis ejaculates (or “cums”) too quickly during sexual activity – often shortly after, or even before, penetration.
Premature ejaculation can cause stress and frustration, and it may lead to an unsatisfying sex life for men and their partners.
Am I the only one?
Absolutely not. Premature ejaculation is very common, affecting an estimated 21–31% of adult men in Australia. So no, you’re not alone, and if you’re bothered by it, help is available.
How Fast Is “Too Fast”?
There’s no exact rule, but premature ejaculation is usually defined as ejaculating before or very soon after penetration, occuring all the time, or most of the time, and causing distress and/or frustration.
Why is this happening?
Premature ejaculation is super common, especially when you’re younger. As you get older or gain more experience, you might find it easier to last longer and feel more in control. Sometimes, premature ejaculation is linked to anxiety – like when you’re new to sex or starting something with someone new. It’s normal to feel pressure to impress, and that stress can mess with your timing.
Sometimes, premature ejaculation is a lifelong issue, and you may notice it from the very first time you have sex, and it doesn’t improve over time. Some of the causes could be:
- abnormal hormone levels
- genetic causes that affect the signaling between nerves
In other cases, premature ejaculation can also develop later on, after you had a period when this did not occur before. In this case, it may be due to other reasons such as:
- performance anxiety
- general anxiety
- stress
- depression
- psychological or relationship issues
- alcohol and drug use
- Other medical conditions
Can I do anything about it?
Yep. Premature ejaculation can impact your confidence, mental health, and relationships; however it is treatable, and you don’t need to feel embarrassed about getting support.
For many people, as you get older you gain more experience, and you will learn how to be more in control. However, if things are not improving with time, you may wish to consider having a chat with your GP or attending a family planning clinic, who can help identify the underlying cause and recommend the right treatment.
Treatments for premature ejaculation vary depending on the cause and whether it is lifelong or acquired.
Some methods, medications and other options available
Some methods may include:
- The stop-start technique. If you feel that you are getting close and about to ejaculate during sex or masturbation, stop and rest until the feeling has gone, and then start again.
- Masturbating an hour or 2 before you have sex.
- Condoms might make the penis less sensitive, which can help delay ejaculation.
- If premature ejaculation is related to erectile dysfunction, treating the erection problem might solve the ejaculation problem.
- Taking a deep breath in – this briefly shuts down the ejaculatory reflex.
- Trying different positions that you may find less arousing.
- You can try using the “second try” method – you may have delayed ejaculation when having sex a second time after the first ejaculation.
- There are a variety of medications which might help with premature ejaculation – talk to your GP.
Other options:
- Counselling or therapy can address anxiety, sexual confidence, or relationship concerns, which can be among the causes of premature ejaculation.
- If you’re in a relationship, couples therapy can help both partners understand and manage premature ejaculation together.
- Consider calling a dedicated Helpline to talk to a sexual health nurse:
- Attending your GP or a family planning clinic doctor to discuss your personal concerns
References
Chung, E., Gilbert, B., Perera, M. and Roberts, M. (2015). Premature ejaculation: A clinical review for the general physician. REPRINTED FROM AFP, [online] 44(10). Available at: https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/45c95dea-941d-41a5-955d-984eb7370643/Premature-ejaculation-A-clinical-review-for-the-ge.aspx
myDr (2017). Premature ejaculation. [online] myDr.com.au. Available at: https://mydr.com.au/sexual-health/premature-ejaculation/
Australia, H. (2024). Premature ejaculation. [online] www.healthdirect.gov.au. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/premature-ejaculation.
Bladderclinic.com.au. (2025). Premature Ejaculation | Melbourne Bladder Clinic. [online] Available at: https://bladderclinic.com.au/conditions/male-sexual-health/premature-ejaculation
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. (n.d.). Premature ejaculation – Better Health Channel. [online] Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/premature-ejaculation.
Sexualhealthaustralia.com.au. (2015). Treatment of Premature Ejaculation. [online] Available at: https://www.sexualhealthaustralia.com.au/treatment_options1.html
