How to Last Longer in Bed: Effective Solutions for Premature Ejaculation
Do you wish you could last longer in bed, or have you been told you're finishing before the fun truly begins? You're definitely not alone—premature ejaculation (PE), also known as rapid or early ejaculation, affects around 30% of Australian men.
At Restorative Health Clinic, I'm Melissa Hadley Barrett—sexologist and nurse practitioner—and along with our dedicated team, we're here to guide you through understanding premature ejaculation and exploring the best treatment options.
Understanding What's Normal
Many wonder what's "normal" when it comes to lasting in bed. Research indicates that the average time from penetration to ejaculation is about 5.7 minutes. Most people prefer sex to last between 7 and 13 minutes, but ultimately, what matters is satisfaction—whether it's 1 minute or 20.
Official Criteria for PE
Ejaculation within 2 minutes after penetration
Difficulty delaying ejaculation in nearly every sexual encounter
Significant distress, anxiety, or frustration related to ejaculation timing
Types of Premature Ejaculation
Primary PE
Occurs since your first sexual experiences.
Secondary (Acquired) PE
Develops later after previously having longer ejaculation times.
Causes of Premature Ejaculation
PE often relates to neurological processes involving serotonin, where the ejaculation reflex triggers prematurely.
Other contributing factors include:
Performance anxiety
Stress (personal or professional)
Relationship difficulties
Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety or depression)
Comprehensive Treatment Options
At Restorative Health Clinic, we recommend combination therapy tailored to individual needs:
1. Topical Solutions
Steady Freddy Delay Spray: Australian-formulated, effective, lidocaine-based spray reduces sensitivity without numbing your partner.
Condoms: Easy method reducing sensitivity and enhancing protection.
2. Adjusting Ejaculation Frequency
Masturbating 1–3 hours before sex may help delay ejaculation.
3. Oral Medications
Daily SSRIs: Escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine (results after 2–3 weeks).
On-Demand Medications:
Dapoxetine (Priligy): Taken 1–3 hours before sex.
Clomipramine: Effective 2–6 hours before sex (not typically used at our clinic).
4. Off-Label Medications
Tramadol: Painkiller that can delay ejaculation (use with caution).
Alpha Blockers (e.g. Silodosin): Can delay ejaculation but may cause retrograde ejaculation (potential fertility concerns).
5. Psychological and Behavioural Therapy
Stop-Start Technique: Pausing stimulation as climax nears.
Squeeze Technique: Gentle squeezing before climax.
Mindfulness and Kegel Exercises: Enhance ejaculatory control.
Couples and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Address anxiety and relationship pressures.
Addressing Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and PE
PE and ED frequently occur together. Treating ED first often helps improve PE outcomes. PDE5 inhibitors—like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), avanafil (Spedra), and vardenafil (Levitra)—combined with other treatments significantly enhance performance.
Emerging and Innovative Treatments
Innovative approaches, including veno-occlusive surgeries combined with stem cell and VEGF injections, are currently being explored but not yet available.
Take Control of Your Sexual Wellbeing
Premature ejaculation doesn't have to negatively impact your intimacy. At Restorative Health Clinic, we help many men regain confidence and enjoy fulfilling sex lives.
Remember, penetrative sex is just one aspect of intimacy. Communication about other enjoyable activities—oral, manual stimulation, or using toys—can significantly enhance your experiences.
Ready to Improve Your Intimacy?
Personalised care available in-clinic or via telehealth.