Premature ejaculation occurs when someone has an orgasm very quickly or orgasms without control. Although there is no permanent cure, supplements, over-the-counter products, and various sexual techniques may help.

Males with premature ejaculation may also have very little warning before their orgasm, so they may not be able to delay it.

Premature ejaculation may lead to lower sexual satisfaction for the person experiencing it and their partner. Some home remedies and exercises may help delay ejaculation or help someone become more aware of their sensations and how to control them.

Some estimates suggest that between 20–26% of males experience premature ejaculation, though other estimates are higher. This is partly because premature ejaculation is a complex issue involving mental and physical aspects.

Some medical treatments may help with premature ejaculation, but there is no permanent cure. However, males may learn to control their ejaculation and find more sexual satisfaction using various remedies, including supplements, topical solutions, and exercise.

Certain minerals may help with premature ejaculation. These include:

1. Zinc

There may be a link between supplements such as zinc and sexual dysfunction. Zinc may play a role in male fertility.

As a 2018 article notes, some studies have reported reduced quantities of zinc in the seminal fluid of males with infertility.

Zinc supplementation may improve sexual dysfunction and increase serum testosterone levels. This may improve libido in general.

However, there is no evidence to suggest it could reduce premature ejaculation. More research is needed to establish a clearer connection between zinc and premature ejaculation.

Learn about 8 of the top zinc supplements for 2022

2. Magnesium

Magnesium is another important mineral for healthy sperm production and reproductive health.

A 2019 review notes that low magnesium levels contribute to premature ejaculation, as they may increase certain muscle contractions common in orgasms.

For this reason, getting enough magnesium in the diet may help with premature ejaculation.

Learn about the types of magnesium supplements.

3. Other minerals

As a 2019 study notes, some other minerals may also play important roles in sperm function and overall male fertility.

These may include:

A person can consider these as a tool that may help improve their overall reproductive health, but there is no evidence these minerals can help with premature ejaculation specifically.

Learn about the best calcium supplements.

Topical products can include anything that a person uses on the penis to help reduce stimulation and prolong orgasm.

1. Anesthetic creams and sprays

For a temporary approach, many males successfully use topical creams and sprays that contain anesthetics such as lidocaine. These help numb the penis. They do this by delaying sensation to the penis, which may increase the time it takes to climax.

Typically, a male should apply these creams to the head of the penis about 20–30 minutes before sex and then wash the penis around 5–10 minutes before sex. A person may find wearing a condom can help enhance the effectiveness.

Learn about the top sprays for premature ejaculation.

Wearing a condom during sex may work in a similar way to topical creams by temporarily dulling the sensation in the penis. In some cases, this may increase the time it takes to orgasm, particularly when combined with numbing creams or sprays.

Some companies make thicker condoms or condoms with a numbing agent on the inside to help decrease sensitivity further and help increase a male’s time to orgasm.

Learn about the best condoms for premature ejaculation.

A male can try various techniques and methods during and before sex to help with premature ejaculation These include:

Various pelvic floor exercises may help train the muscles involved in ejaculation. By becoming aware of and strengthening these muscles, it may be possible to increase orgasm control.

One 2014 study found that a 12-week program of pelvic floor exercises helped males with premature ejaculation control their ejaculatory reflexes and increase their time to climax.

The pelvic floor muscles are the same muscles involved in cutting off urine flow. To find them, a male should urinate and then cut off the urine flow midstream.

To perform pelvic floor exercises, lie or sit comfortably without putting pressure on the perineum, which is the area between the anus and the genitals.

Tighten the muscles involved in cutting off the urine flow, holding them as tight as possible for 5 seconds. The muscles should feel as though they are lifting. Some people may feel pressure inside the body, near the muscles.

Release the muscles and rest for 5 seconds. Repeat this process 10 times for one session. Do two or three sessions each day.

Learn about 6 exercises for erectile dysfunction.

2. Practice

Those worried about sexual control and early ejaculation may not have much sexual experience. Teenagers tend to learn about their sexual responses and physical sensations from their early practices with masturbation.

Some people may not have as much experience with masturbation or sexual acts, which may be due to religious or cultural beliefs or a sense of personal shame.

Openly exploring pleasure through masturbation helps people identify the sensations their body experiences leading up to orgasm. Regular practice may also help someone learn the signs of impending orgasm and find ways to stop the stimulation before orgasm.

Also, some may recommend masturbating an hour or two before engaging in sexual activity. This may take advantage of the body’s refractory period, which is when it is impossible or difficult to orgasm. The length of the refractory period varies from person to person.

A person may also benefit from masturbating by stimulating the lower one-third of their penis. A 2019 study found that 5 out of 8 participants following this technique saw improved sexual performance after 3 months. However, additional research is needed to fully prove the effectiveness of this method.

Learn about the myths surrounding masturbation here.

3. The squeeze technique

The squeeze technique helps physically control an orgasm. It may also help a male identify the sensation of orgasm and learn how to control it.

This method involves a male or their partner stimulating the penis until they are close to ejaculation. They must then firmly squeeze the shaft of the penis so that the erection partially goes away and the impending orgasm subsides. A person should continue to squeeze for about 30 seconds.

Going through these steps may help a male identify the sensations that lead to orgasm. Understanding these sensations can lead to better control over ejaculation.

4. The stop-start method

The stop-start method is another physical technique for sexual practice.

This method also involves the male or their partner stimulating the penis until the climax is imminent. They should then stop all stimulation and allow the feeling of the upcoming orgasm to go away completely.

After the pleasure subsides, the male or their partner should stimulate the penis again and stop just before the orgasm. Continue the cycle several more times to help improve their ability to recognize signs that ejaculation is coming.

This practice may help a male identify the sensations that occur just before orgasm. Exploring them in this way can make it easier to identify or control ejaculation.

There is no single way to treat or cure premature ejaculation. As the Urology Care Foundation points out, there are no approved drugs in the United States to treat premature ejaculation.

The standard treatment typically includes a few different approaches. Psychological therapy, for example, helps address any negative thoughts or feelings that may lead to sexual issues.

Behavioral therapy, such as the squeeze and stop-start methods, helps build a tolerance to the pleasurable sensations that lead to orgasm.

Some over-the-counter or prescription creams and sprays may also help numb the head of the penis, which could decrease sensitivity temporarily.

In some cases, a doctor may also recommend using some forms of antidepressant medications to treat premature ejaculation. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine and paroxetine, may alter serotonin levels in the body, which could delay orgasm.

Doctors typically do this by prescribing these medications off-label to treat premature ejaculation. The practice of using antidepressants to treat the condition is common and research-based.

Learn more about off-label drug use here.

Since formal treatments are limited, a person may not need or want to see their doctor regarding premature ejaculation. A person may find some relief by using one or more at-home methods listed above.

However, a person should not feel embarrassed about talking with their doctor if they cannot get the condition under control on their own. A doctor may be able to recommend a therapy or other techniques that a person has not yet tried.

A person should see their doctor if they experience any other symptoms related to their sexual health. A doctor can help diagnose and treat any underlying issues or identify medical reasons premature may be occurring.

The following answers help explain some common questions concerning premature ejaculation.

How can I stop premature ejaculation immediately?

Some methods for stopping premature ejaculation can work quickly and do not need a lot of practice. For some immediate results, a person can try anesthetics creams or sprays, condoms, the squeeze technique, and stopping and starting. A couple can experiment with which method works best for them.

How can I get rid of premature ejaculation naturally?

People concerned about using topical creams or sprays, condoms, or medications can use natural methods to help prevent premature ejaculation. Some techniques include pelvic floor exercises, stopping and starting, and masturbation.

Premature ejaculation is common and affects many people at one time or another.

However, when premature ejaculation becomes an issue, some males may find that they can better control it using various home remedies and techniques. Some doctors may suggest other types of physical, psychological, or medical treatment to help control the issue.

If premature ejaculation continues or gets worse, it is best to see a doctor for a full diagnosis. There may be an underlying health condition causing it.