How to Control Premature Ejaculation and Prolong Sexual Activity: Techniques and Strategies for Delaying Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation (PE) can be distressing for individuals and their partners. Here are some remedies and techniques that may help manage and improve premature ejaculation:
- Practice the Start-Stop Technique: During sexual activity, pause or stop stimulation when you feel close to ejaculation. Take a break until the sensation subsides, then resume. This technique can help increase your control over ejaculation.
- Try the Squeeze Technique: Similar to the start-stop technique, this involves squeezing the base of the penis or the area between the shaft and glans when you feel the urge to ejaculate. Hold the squeeze for a few seconds until the urge subsides.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels): Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises can improve ejaculatory control. To perform Kegels, contract the muscles you use to stop urination and hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat several times a day.
- Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing or mindfulness meditation, to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation during sexual activity. Deep breathing can help delay ejaculation by calming the nervous system.
- Use a Thick Condom: Wearing a thick condom can reduce penile sensitivity and decrease stimulation, helping to delay ejaculation. Alternatively, condoms treated with desensitizing agents are available for this purpose.
- Topical Anesthetics: Over-the-counter or prescription topical creams or sprays containing numbing agents (such as lidocaine or benzocaine) can reduce penile sensitivity and delay ejaculation. Apply a small amount to the penis before intercourse, following the product’s instructions carefully.
- Behavioral Techniques: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or sex therapy with a trained professional can help address underlying psychological factors contributing to premature ejaculation. Therapy may involve education, counseling, and behavioral exercises.
- Communication with Partner: Open communication with your partner about your sexual concerns and preferences is essential. Discussing your needs, desires, and any anxieties can foster understanding and intimacy, reducing performance pressure.
- Try Different Positions: Experiment with sexual positions that provide less stimulation to the penis, such as those where the receiving partner is on top and can control the pace and depth of penetration.
- Masturbate Before Sex: Masturbating an hour or two before sexual activity can help reduce sensitivity and prolong the time to ejaculation during intercourse.
- Stay Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques. Physical fitness and overall well-being can positively impact sexual function and performance.
- Consider Medication: In some cases, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, or topical anesthetics may be prescribed by a healthcare professional to manage premature ejaculation.
It’s important to remember that premature ejaculation is a common issue and often improves with time and practice. If self-help techniques and remedies are not effective or if PE significantly impacts your quality of life, consider seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or sex therapist for personalized advice and treatment options.
While there isn’t a specific “cure” for premature ejaculation (PE), certain foods may have properties that support sexual health and overall well-being, potentially helping to manage PE symptoms. Here are some foods that may be beneficial:
- Bananas: Rich in potassium and B vitamins, bananas support overall cardiovascular health and may help regulate blood pressure, which is important for sexual function.
- Oysters: Oysters are high in zinc, a mineral that plays a role in testosterone production and sperm health. Adequate zinc levels are essential for maintaining sexual health and may help with PE.
- Avocado: Avocados are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which support cardiovascular health and may enhance blood flow to the genitals, promoting erectile function and ejaculation control.
- Almonds: Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, zinc, and magnesium, nutrients that support reproductive health and may help regulate hormone levels and improve sexual function.
- Green Vegetables: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli are high in folate, a B vitamin that supports sperm health and reproductive function. Including plenty of green vegetables in your diet can help maintain overall sexual health.
- Watermelon: Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that can increase nitric oxide levels in the body, promoting blood vessel dilation and improving erectile function. While more research is needed, watermelon may have potential benefits for sexual health.
- Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, antioxidants that may improve blood flow and cardiovascular health. Consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate may support sexual function and libido.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and other nutrients that support reproductive health. Including pumpkin seeds in your diet may help regulate testosterone levels and improve sexual function.
- Ginger: Ginger has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and may have benefits for sexual health. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support circulation and sexual function.
- Figs: Figs are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals, which support overall health and may have aphrodisiac properties. Including figs in your diet may promote sexual health and vitality.
While incorporating these foods into your diet may support overall sexual health, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and communicate openly with your partner about your sexual concerns. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe PE symptoms, consider seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or sex therapist for personalized advice and treatment options.
Controlling ejaculation and prolonging sexual activity requires a combination of physical techniques, mental strategies, and lifestyle adjustments. Here are some methods that may help:
Physical Techniques:
- Start-Stop Technique: During sexual activity, pause or stop stimulation when you feel close to ejaculation. Take a break until the sensation subsides, then resume. Repeat as needed to delay ejaculation.
- Squeeze Technique: Similar to the start-stop technique, this involves squeezing the base of the penis or the area between the shaft and glans when you feel the urge to ejaculate. Hold the squeeze for a few seconds until the urge subsides.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels): Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises can improve ejaculatory control. To perform Kegels, contract the muscles you use to stop urination and hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat several times a day.
Mental Strategies:
- Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing or mindfulness meditation, to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation during sexual activity. Deep breathing can help delay ejaculation by calming the nervous system.
- Focus on Sensations: Instead of fixating on performance or ejaculation, focus on the pleasurable sensations of intimacy and connection with your partner. Being present in the moment can help reduce performance anxiety and prolong sexual activity.
- Change Sexual Positions: Experiment with sexual positions that provide less stimulation to the penis, such as those where the receiving partner is on top and can control the pace and depth of penetration.
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques. Physical fitness and overall well-being can positively impact sexual function and performance.
- Limit Alcohol and Drug Use: Excessive alcohol consumption and recreational drug use can impair sexual function and contribute to premature ejaculation. Limiting or avoiding these substances may help improve ejaculatory control.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Dehydration can affect sexual performance and may contribute to premature ejaculation.
Communication and Support:
- Open Communication: Communicate openly with your partner about your sexual concerns, desires, and preferences. Discussing your needs and fears can foster understanding and intimacy, reducing performance pressure.
- Seek Professional Help: If self-help techniques are not effective or if premature ejaculation significantly impacts your quality of life, consider seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or sex therapist. They can provide personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your needs.
Remember that premature ejaculation is a common issue, and it often improves with time and practice. Be patient with yourself and your partner as you explore different techniques and strategies to prolong sexual activity and enhance intimacy.