In short
Premature ejaculation is treated with techniques, counselling, medicines or a mix. A GP is the usual starting point, and tests are rarely needed.
On this page
Premature ejaculation is treated with behavioural techniques, counselling, medicines or a mix. In Australia the medicines are prescription-only, apart from numbing sprays and creams, and a GP is the usual starting point.
How it’s diagnosed
By talking. A GP asks how long it’s been happening, how often, whether you can delay it and how much it bothers you. The medical definition has three parts: ejaculation that nearly always happens within about a minute (lifelong) or has dropped to about three minutes or less (acquired), not being able to delay it, and distress about it. Tests are rarely needed.
Treatment options
| Option | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Stop-start and squeeze techniques | Training to recognise and hold off the point of no return | Free, safe, takes practice. Works best with a partner involved. |
| Pelvic floor exercises | Strengthen the muscles used to delay ejaculation | Takes around 12 weeks of regular practice. |
| Psychosexual counselling | Works on anxiety, expectations and the relationship | Often combined with other treatments. |
| Numbing spray or cream | Local anaesthetic reduces sensation | Applied before sex. Use a condom or wash off so your partner isn’t affected. |
| Dapoxetine | A short-acting tablet taken one to three hours before sex | Approved in Australia for premature ejaculation. Can cause nausea, dizziness and headache. |
| Daily antidepressant (SSRI) | Delayed ejaculation is a known effect of these medicines | Used off-label. Takes one to two weeks to work and has its own side effects. |
If erections are part of it
Premature ejaculation and erection problems often come together. When they do, the erection problem is usually treated first, because fixing it can settle the timing. See erectile dysfunction treatment in Australia.
What to expect from a GP consult
- Questions about timing, erections, your general health and your medicines.
- A check for causes such as thyroid problems or prostate symptoms, if your history suggests them.
- The options above explained, with their side effects.
- A plan you’re comfortable with. Many men start with techniques and add a medicine if they need to.
Cost
Techniques are free. Medicines for premature ejaculation are private prescriptions, so the price is set by the pharmacy and varies. Ask for the price before it’s dispensed.
Next step: talk to a GP
Request an appointment and we’ll be in touch to arrange a time. A consultation doesn’t guarantee a prescription.
References
- International Society for Sexual Medicine: Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of premature ejaculation
- Therapeutic Guidelines: Sexual and reproductive health
- Healthy Male: Premature ejaculation
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.