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If you experience Premature Ejaculation, it may reassure you that this is a fairly common problem that many men experience but may not talk about. For most men, this is something that may happen occasionally but for others it may happen most of the time. For some people, premature ejaculation can negatively affect confidence and mood.
It is suggested that if you ejaculate within two minutes of penetrative sex consistently then it is classed as premature ejaculation. However, in reality as all experiences of sex are different and subjective, there is not a set threshold for what is the ‘correct’ amount of time a man should last before he ejaculates. If you are satisfied with your sex life then there is no need for medical treatment.
On the other hand, if you feel you have no control over ejaculation or you are climaxing too quickly most of the time during sexual intercourse then you may wish to consider medication to treat premature ejaculation.
Unfortunately, we don’t fully understand the exact cause of premature ejaculation. Our current understanding is that premature ejaculation is caused by a mix of physical and psychological factors. There is also some evidence to suggest that early sexual experiences may also contribute to sexual dysfunction in adulthood.
Currently, our understanding of premature ejaculation suggests that the causes are multifactorial (i.e physical and psychological).
| Physical causes |
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| Psychological causes |
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| Other causes (i.e social, risk factors) |
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This depends on what the premature ejaculation is attributed to. If it is primarily linked to another condition such as a hormonal imbalance then the first step should be to treat that condition before starting medication for premature ejaculation.
If there are strong psychological factors contributing to premature ejaculation, you may wish to consult a psychologist or psychotherapist to help you work through your attitudes, thought patterns, or past experiences with sex. This has shown positive outcomes for some people. The evidence base for the effectiveness of psychological treatment for premature ejaculation is mixed; more often, therapy is combined with medication.
Medication can exist as pills, creams, or sprays; some require prescriptions but there is also an over the counter premature ejaculation pill. However, as with many medications there are some side effects such as dizziness so it is best to consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting medical treatment.
There are many treatment options from talking therapy to meds for premature ejaculation.
We have provided a brief outline of treatment options in the table below:
| Treatment option | Function |
| Talking therapies: Psychotherapy or psychological treatment | This may consist of some sessions with a therapist to explore psychological factors contributing to the sexual dysfunction such as past sexual experiences, anxiety, or relationship issues.
It may help you gain a better understanding of yourself and how to communicate your sexual needs and worries. |
| Dapoxetine (Priligy) | This is a type of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). It increases your brain’s serotonin levels to delay ejaculation.
You take this around one to three hours before sex and it works very quickly. |
| Anaesthetic creams or sprays (e.g EMLA cream) | You can also opt for an anaesthetic cream or spray to apply to the penis. These treat premature ejaculation by making your penis less sensitive to delay ejaculation. They usually contain medication called prilocaine or lidocaine.
You apply this to your penis around 20 minutes before sex and wash it off when your penis feels numb. |
| Other Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors | Sometimes, antidepressant SSRIs (e.g sertraline or citalopram) are used to treat premature ejaculation.
You take these daily for a few weeks. |
Choosing the right treatment for premature ejaculation (PE) often comes down to two broad categories: prescription-only medicines and over-the-counter (OTC) options. Understanding how they differ in regulation, strength, and mode of action will help you—and your clinician—tailor a plan that’s both safe and effective.
Prescription-only options
Pros: clinician oversight, personalised dosing, higher evidence base, and clearer safety data.
Cons: GP appointment or regulated online consultation required; potential side-effects such as headache (dapoxetine) or temporary numbness (topicals).
Over-the-counter options
Pros: immediate purchase, no consultation fees, and generally milder side-effect profiles.
Cons: lower potency, variable quality between brands, and limited guidance on correct usage.
Modern medications for premature ejaculation are designed to help men gain greater control and improve satisfaction without reducing natural sensation. These treatments act in different ways, depending on the form and ingredient.
Some premature ejaculation medication increases serotonin levels in the brain — a chemical that helps regulate mood and delay climax. Others, such as topical creams and sprays, reduce penile sensitivity by gently numbing the nerve endings. This dual approach helps both physically and psychologically, making it easier to enjoy intimacy without anxiety or interruption.
While results vary from person to person, most men notice better control and confidence within just a few uses. The goal of medications for premature ejaculation is not to change your body permanently but to support it in regaining natural balance and timing during sexual activity.
When choosing between prescription and over the counter premature ejaculation pills, the main differences lie in strength, reliability, and professional guidance. Prescription options, such as dapoxetine, are clinically tested to provide a predictable delay effect and are supervised by healthcare professionals.
On the other hand, over the counter meds for premature ejaculation—like mild lidocaine sprays or desensitising condoms—can be helpful for men looking for short-term, less intensive solutions. These products work quickly and are easy to obtain but may not deliver the same level of consistency as prescription tablets.
Selecting the right option depends on your individual needs, experience, and comfort level. For mild cases, over the counter premature ejaculation pills can provide quick relief; for more persistent concerns, a combination of prescribed medication and behavioural strategies often offers the best results.
The different premature ejaculation meds are associated with different side effects. Though they are often not common, it is important to be aware of them and seek medical attention if they get worse or start to impact your quality of life. We have summarised side effects for key treatment options below:
| Treatment | Possible side effects |
| Anaesthetic creams (EMLA) | Skin reactions such as:
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| Dapoxetine (Priligy) |
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| SSRIs |
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At MedsforLess, we understand that premature ejaculation can be a sensitive topic. After a short text conversation with one of our doctors to make sure this is the right treatment for you, you can order premature ejaculation pills or creams and have them delivered to you discreetly and quickly.
Premature ejaculation pills target serotonin and nerve sensitivity, helping men gain better timing and confidence during intimacy without dulling natural sensation.
Over the counter premature ejaculation meds can offer temporary relief for mild cases, but lasting improvement often requires prescription treatment combined with lifestyle or psychological support.
While premature ejaculation meds work internally to delay climax, sprays act externally by reducing sensitivity. The choice depends on your comfort level, response time, and desired strength.
Most medications for premature ejaculation can be safely combined with other treatments like ED tablets, but medical advice is essential to avoid interactions or reduced effectiveness.
Most on-demand pills take effect within one to three hours, while topical options act in under 20 minutes. The timing depends on the specific premature ejaculation medication and your individual metabolism.
Yes — always choose licensed UK pharmacies displaying the green MHRA logo. These ensure your over the counter premature ejaculation pill meets safety standards and is supplied by registered clinicians.
Selecting the right medication to treat premature ejaculation depends on how often symptoms occur, your health history, and lifestyle. Consulting a clinician helps tailor a safe, effective plan that fits you best.
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