MayoClinic.com points out that premature ejaculation is a common problem, affecting as many as 1-in-3 men at some point in their lives. This condition results in a man ejaculating either prior to the beginning of intercourse, or shortly after intercourse begins. While embarrassing, this is a treatable condition, often caused by psychological or biological factors. Depending on the cause, it may take a combination of treatments to prevent a man from experiencing a decrease in his ability to satisfy both himself and his partner during intercourse.
Step 1
Open the lines of communication. MayoClinic.com explains that a lack of understanding between each partner's sexual needs may be the cause of premature ejaculation. The website adds that women often need longer stimulation than men, and this in turn causes a man to feel pressure during intercourse. To solve this problem, partners need to communicate their needs and concerns with one another without blaming each other for lack of satisfaction in the bedroom. Being open to trying new things may also help.
Step 2
Try masturbating and avoiding sexual intercourse. MayoClinic.com recommends masturbating one to two hours prior to intercourse; this may help a man delay his ejaculation when having sex with his partner. Not having sex for a period of time--which the doctor typically determines based on each person's condition--may also help. The longer he waits to ejaculate, the longer he may last during intercourse.
Step 3
Use the stop-start technique. This brings a man to the point of ejaculation, then forces him to stop, teaching him how to control himself before participating in sexual intercourse. Netdoctor, a United Kingdom-based website whose articles are written and edited by more than 250 doctors, explains that the man should be alone when performing this method. His hands should be dry, and he should masturbate until he is ready to ejaculate, then stop. To reap full benefits, he should perform this three times. Once full control is met, he can then perform this method with wet hands, as this replicates the feeling of a vagina.
Step 4
Ask the doctor about topical creams, which contain either lidocaine or prilocaine, both of which are medications that dull the sensation on the penis, thus delaying ejaculation, according to MayoClinic.com. Men should apply them shortly before intercourse, long enough to dull the sensation. The website warns that men using this method need to use caution when wiping the penis; if they do not wipe all of the cream from the penis, it can affect their partner's genital area and decrease their sensitivity during intercourse.
Step 5
Find a psychotherapist. Known also as counseling or talk therapy, psychotherapy helps a couple determine the problems in their relationship that may lead to performance anxiety for the man, as well as discuss various coping techniques. This is an option for couples who have tried to work the problem out on their own, to no avail.
