There's no shortage of information on premature ejaculation treatment. Most of it just lists the options, though.
Priligy. Topical sprays. The stop-start technique. The squeeze method.
They can all help, just not in the same way. Pick one at random, and you might start with the option that suits you least.
This guide breaks down what each premature ejaculation treatment actually involves. And it helps you work out which is worth trying first, based on how long you've had it, whether a partner's involved, and how fast you want results.
Is there a single best premature ejaculation treatment?
Premature ejaculation (PE) is generally defined as ejaculating sooner than you or your partner would like during sex. Occasional episodes are common. They're not something to worry about.
Despite how common it is, plenty of men never mention it to a doctor or pharmacist. It's awkward to bring up, and it's not always obvious what can help.
PE is usually split into two types. And the type you have changes which premature ejaculation treatment is likely to work fastest.
Lifelong PE has been there since your first sexual experiences. Acquired PE develops later. It often shows up alongside a new relationship, a stressful period, or heavier drinking.
Clinical guidelines recommend medication as the first-line treatment for lifelong PE. Behavioural techniques alone tend to be slower and less reliable for this type.1
For acquired PE, anxiety or a specific trigger is often behind it. Behavioural approaches tend to do more of the work here. That difference is the basis for the advice further down.
PE is common and nothing to be embarrassed about. Knowing which type you have is the quickest route to the right treatment.
What causes premature ejaculation?
In many cases, there's no single identifiable cause. Physical factors can play a role too, like prostate and thyroid problems, or recreational drug use. So can psychological factors, like performance anxiety, stress, depression, or relationship pressure.2
For the full breakdown, our guide on what causes premature ejaculation covers it in more depth.
What matters here is simpler. Whatever's driving it, there are effective options.
“Finding the right treatment starts with whether premature ejaculation has always been an issue or has developed more recently, and whether you also have erection problems. If it's new, get checked for possible underlying causes. Techniques and medicines can help, but speak to a prescriber before combining treatments.
Ana Carolina GoncalvesSuperintendent Pharmacist
What are the main premature ejaculation treatments, and how do they compare?
Priligy (dapoxetine)
Priligy is a tablet licensed in the UK specifically for premature ejaculation.3 It contains dapoxetine, a short-acting SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) you take on demand, 1 to 3 hours before sex rather than daily.4
It's licensed for men aged 18 to 64 who usually ejaculate in less than two minutes after penetration and find this distressing.4
The most commonly reported side effects are dizziness, headache, and nausea. It can occasionally cause a drop in blood pressure that leads to fainting. Because of this, Priligy must not be taken with alcohol or with erectile dysfunction medication, since both increase that risk.4
Give it at least four weeks, or six doses, before deciding whether it's working for you. If you carry on taking it, your treatment should be reviewed at least every six months.4 For a full explanation of how it works, see our guide on how Priligy works for PE.
Do not drink alcohol or take ED tablets with Priligy, as both raise the risk of fainting.
Stop-start and squeeze technique
These are the two most established behavioural techniques for premature ejaculation.
With the squeeze technique, you (or a partner) squeeze the head of the penis firmly for 10 to 20 seconds as you approach climax. Then wait around 30 seconds before resuming.2 The stop-start technique works the same way, just without the squeeze: pause stimulation until the urge passes.
Results tend to fade if you stop practising, though, and they generally work best alongside medication rather than alone.5
These techniques cost nothing, but they need regular practice to keep working.
Masturbating an hour or two before sex is also worth trying.2 Our guide on lasting longer in bed walks through both techniques, plus pelvic floor exercises, step by step.
STUD 100 and specialist condoms
STUD 100 is a topical spray. It contains lidocaine, a local anaesthetic that temporarily reduces penile sensitivity. You apply it before sex, following the timing on the pack. You don't need a prescription to try this one out.
A systematic review of topical anaesthetics, the drug class STUD 100 belongs to, found them an effective option for delaying ejaculation.6
Using a condom helps stop the numbing effect transferring to your partner. Always read the leaflet for exactly how to use it, and use the smallest amount that works. Do not use more than 24 sprays in 24 hours. Do not use it on broken or inflamed skin. Avoid it if your partner is pregnant. If you're trying for a baby, avoid it or wash it off thoroughly just before sex.7
Thicker condoms alone can help too, just by reducing sensation, without needing a separate product.
Numbing sprays can pass to a partner during sex and numb them too. A condom is the simplest way to prevent that.
Off-label SSRIs and PDE5 inhibitors, for GP-led cases
Some doctors prescribe daily SSRIs, like paroxetine, sertraline, or fluoxetine, to help with PE. This isn't their licensed use, though.2
PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, usually prescribed for erectile dysfunction, have shown some benefit for PE too.2 Our guide explains whether Viagra can help you last longer.
Pharmica doesn't prescribe these for PE. They need a full assessment from a GP, since daily antidepressants and combination treatment carry a different risk and monitoring profile to an on-demand treatment like Priligy. They're generally reserved for cases where other options haven't helped.
How do you choose the right premature ejaculation treatment for you?
PE you've had for as long as you can remember: a prescriber can talk you through suitable medicines, like Priligy, and behavioural options. Guidelines favour medication first for lifelong PE, and it gives a faster, more predictable result than techniques alone.1
PE that's started more recently, tied to a new partner, stress, or drinking: get checked for possible physical, psychological or medicine-related causes before choosing a treatment.2 After that, try the stop-start or squeeze technique first, alongside cutting back on alcohol if that's a factor. Acquired PE often responds well to addressing the trigger directly.
You want something to use tonight, with no prescription: STUD 100 or a thicker condom can help while you decide on a longer-term approach. STUD 100 usually takes 5 to 15 minutes to work.7
Erectile dysfunction is also a factor: speak to a GP or prescriber before starting anything. PDE5 inhibitors can sometimes help with both conditions together, but combining them with Priligy is not safe, so this needs a proper assessment first.
You'd rather avoid medication altogether: the stop-start and squeeze techniques, combined with pelvic floor exercises, can produce a lasting improvement, though they take weeks of consistent practice and work better with a supportive partner.
How long you've had PE is a useful clue, but it's not the whole story. An assessment helps you find the right place to start.
Why does combining treatments often work best?
Combining behavioural techniques with a prescribed medicine may help, rather than picking one option and sticking with it forever.
That doesn't mean mixing medicines yourself. Do not take Priligy with other antidepressants, and do not add another PE medicine on your own. Tell your prescriber about all the medicines and supplements you take, and any recent changes, so they can check for interactions and any gap needed between treatments.4
Behavioural techniques work better alongside medication than alone. And Priligy doesn't teach your body anything long-term, it just buys you more control on the night.5
Try STUD 100 or the squeeze technique for short-term confidence. Work on stop-start practice over several weeks too. It's a reasonable starting point for most men, whichever type of PE you have.
Think of it as short-term help for tonight, plus practice that builds control over the coming weeks.
When should you see a GP about premature ejaculation?
There's no need to put up with premature ejaculation, and there's no shame in raising it. Speak to a GP or pharmacist if:
- It's causing you distress or affecting your relationship
- It's started suddenly and you also have other symptoms, such as erectile difficulties or fatigue
- Self-help options and STUD 100 haven't made a difference after a few weeks
- You're not sure which premature ejaculation treatment is suitable for you given other medications or health conditions
Frequently asked questions
What's the best treatment for premature ejaculation?
There isn’t one single best option, it depends on your situation. For PE that’s been there from the start, a prescriber can talk you through medicines like Priligy alongside behavioural techniques. If it’s more recent, get checked for an underlying cause first, then techniques like stop-start often help. Combining a technique with a prescribed medicine may help, but do not mix PE medicines yourself.
What are the side effects of Priligy?
The most common ones are dizziness, headache, and nausea. It can occasionally cause a drop in blood pressure that leads to fainting. Because of this, Priligy must not be taken with alcohol or erectile dysfunction medication, since both increase that risk.
Can you use STUD 100 and Priligy together?
They work in different ways, as one is a spray and one is a tablet. Check with a pharmacist before using them together, especially if you take any other medicines.
Is premature ejaculation treatment available on the NHS?
Your GP can talk you through your options. Whether Priligy is available on NHS prescription can depend on where you live, so a private online consultation, like the one Pharmica offers, is another option if you’d rather not wait. A prescriber will check whether treatment is suitable for you.
Do behavioural techniques like the squeeze method actually work?
They can, yes. They tend to work best alongside medication rather than alone, though, and results can fade if you stop practising.
How long does Priligy take to work?
You take it 1 to 3 hours before sex, on demand rather than daily. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. If it’s not working for you after 4 weeks, or 6 doses, it’s worth reviewing with your prescriber.
References
- European Association of Urology. EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health. European Association of Urology; 2025. uroweb.org
- NHS. Can premature ejaculation be controlled? NHS website; 2026. nhs.uk
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Premature ejaculation: dapoxetine. Evidence summary ESNM40. NICE; 2014. nice.org.uk
- A. Menarini Farmaceutica Internazionale. Priligy 60 mg film-coated tablets (PL 41549/0002): Summary of Product Characteristics. MHRA; revised 28 June 2021. mhraproducts4853.blob.core.windows.net
- GPnotebook. Premature ejaculation (PE). GPnotebook; 2026. gpnotebook.com
- Ali A, et al. Topical Anesthetics and Premature Ejaculation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus. 2023. doi:10.7759/cureus.42913
- STUD 100 Desensitizing Spray for Men (lidocaine 9.6% w/w cutaneous spray): Summary of Product Characteristics (section 4.2). Revised 3 December 2024. stud100.co.uk
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication and speak to a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns.