Premature ejaculation

Sex therapy working with premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is also called “fast” or “rapid” ejaculation.   It is defined as ejaculation that always, or nearly always, occurs prior to or within about 1 minute of penetration.  It is a common male concern, said to affect between about 20-30% of men of all ages.  It can be the source of frustration, embarrassment and disappointment.

Without treatment, PE can affect a man’s sexual confidence and sexual desire, possibly leading to erectile difficulties.  It can also result in a person withdrawing from sexual intimacy with partners.

Sex therapy can help individuals enhance their self-awareness and self control, which can help improve sexual skills and self-confidence.   By introducing simple tools such as mindful masturbation, breathing and awareness practices, a man can learn to regulate his nervous system and sustain longer erections. As with any exercise it just takes practice.

Sex therapy can also help individuals and couples to improve communication skills, which can lead to more pleasurable and creative sexual experiences.  Great sex is not all about a man’s ability to sustain an erection. There are many ways to enjoy great sexual experiences without having sexual intercourse. When the pressure is taken off a man to perform, this immediately increases his chances of maintaining an erection. So it is worth exploring sex with your partner and becoming more creative in how you both approach sexual play. Open communication is the key and a sex therapist can support couples to learn to talk openly and honestly about sex in a way that is kind and compassionate, restoring both ntimacy and trust in a relationship.